63 Body Composition and Dietary Intake in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Findings From a Brazilian Referral Center

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may impact nutritional status beyond body mass index (BMI) classification, underestimating lean mass loss. Aim: To evaluate nutritional status, body composition, and dietary intake in IBD patients from a Brazilian tertiary center. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 127 patients (58 Crohn’s disease, 69 ulcerative colitis). Clinical data, therapy, metabolic syndrome, and nutritional assessment (bioimpedance, anthropometry, dietary intake) were collected. Results: Mean age was 45.5±13.5 years, 68% female. Metabolic syndrome was present in 39%. By BMI, 47% were overweight and 20% obese; however, bioimpedance showed reduced lean mass and excessive fat mass in many patients. Dietary intake was characterized by high consumption of sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates, with low intake of fruits, vegetables, protein sources, and water (< 2 L/day). Conclusions: IBD patients presented poor dietary quality and frequent misclassification of nutritional status when only BMI was applied. Comprehensive nutritional assessment is essential to guide interventions and improve clinical outcomes. Keywords: body composition, nutritional assessment, dietary intake, inflammatory bowel disease.