Obesity: An Overlooked Factor in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder characterized by relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Over the past decades, both the prevalence of IBD and the rates of obesity have increased globally, highlighting the potential impact of obesity on IBD pathogenesis and progression. Obesity is associated with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and altered gut microbiota, all of which may influence the onset, severity, and prognosis of IBD. However, existing evidence on the relationship between obesity and IBD remains limited and sometimes contradictory, with heterogeneity in study populations, obesity definitions, and outcome measures contributing to inconsistent findings. In this review, we summarize the epidemiology of obesity among IBD patients, explore the shared mechanisms linking obesity and IBD, discuss the influence of obesity on disease course, and evaluate the effects of currently available weight management interventions. This comprehensive overview aims to provide a clearer understanding of the complex interplay between obesity and IBD and to inform clinical management strategies.