Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis is tough enough, but new research shows it might also affect your muscle strength and overall nutritional health. A recent study has found that people with IBD have significantly weaker muscles compared to their healthy peers, with women being especially affected.
What the Study Found
- Muscle Weakness: Both men and women with IBD had weaker handgrip strength compared to healthy individuals.
- Women Affected More: Women with IBD had significantly lower muscle mass, less protein and minerals in their bodies, and were more likely to develop sarcopenia (a condition involving muscle loss and weakness).
- Disease Differences: People with Crohn’s disease showed worse muscle and body composition metrics than those with ulcerative colitis.
Why This Matters
Muscle health isn’t just about looking fit; it’s crucial for staying active, feeling strong, and living your best life. For IBD patients, reduced muscle mass and strength can make it harder to recover from flares or maintain an active lifestyle.
The study highlights that just looking at BMI (body mass index) isn’t enough. Doctors should check muscle strength as part of routine care for people with IBD to catch issues early.
How to Take Charge
If you’re living with IBD:
- Talk to your doctor about your muscle health and consider handgrip strength testing.
- Stay active with exercises that promote muscle building, like resistance training.
- Work with a nutritionist to ensure your diet supports muscle and bone health.
This study is a reminder that small, proactive steps can make a big difference. Building strength isn’t just about your body—it’s about empowering your life.
