PD516 - BODY MASS INDEX, WEIGHT PERCEPTION AND ACCESS TO NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

PD516

BODY MASS INDEX, WEIGHT PERCEPTION AND ACCESS TO NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

A. Vlachou1, V. Svolos1,*, E. Zoupa1, M.-N. Nanti1, K. Tsoukas1, P. Hatzidafnis2, P. Lygizou2, Z. Bati2, M. Gavriilidi2, G. D. Plytas2, D. E. Strongylou1, A. Kapsoritakis2, K. Argyriou2

1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education, Sport Science and Dietetics, University of Thessaly , Trikala, 2Department of Gastroenterology- University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly , Larisa, Greece

 

Rationale: Nutritional status and dietary management are key components in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet body weight perception and access to dietetic support remain underexplored in individuals with IBD. This study aimed to assess body mass index (BMI), weight perception, and access to nutritional counselling among people living with IBD.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted  among individuals with IBD. Self-reported weight and height were used to calculate BMI. Participants also reported perceived weight status, previous or current dietetic support, and use of dietary interventions. Descriptive analyses were performed.

Results: A total of 110 participants were included. Based on BMI, 50.9% had normal weight, 27.3% were overweight, 17.3% were living with obesity, and 4.5% were underweight. A discrepancy between actual and perceived BMI was observed in 38.2% of participants. More than half of participants (52.7%) had never received dietetic support, while 32.7% had received it occasionally and 14.5% regularly. Additionally, 49.1% of participants had not followed any dietary intervention in the past, while some reported adherence to a dairy-free diet (23.6%), a low FODMAP diet (5.4%), or the Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet with partial enteral nutrition (CDED) (6.3%).

Conclusion: Discrepancies  between actual and perceived body weight were observed among individuals with IBD, as well as lack of nutritional counseling or monitoring for nearly half of the participants. These findings highlight the need for structured and individualized nutritional care to improve disease management and patient outcomes.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared