Lean tissue muscle gives you the edge. It weighs twice as much as fat and burns twice as many calories. I know, from past experience, that I will need all my energy just to fight the battle with the disease. But, just because I am unable to participate in an exercise program during these times, does not mean that I can't stay active. Activities that don't require much energy are good.
Fitness is a great thing.
It gives me the self-confidence that I need to fight Crohn's disease. Crohn's affects men and women like me, in their twenties, when self-esteem and confidence are very important. I tell my family, that if I'm not working out, I'm not feeling well. If I'm feeling well, I will be found exercising. Encouragement from family and friends is the mainstay of fighting IBD, but fitness and well being is personal.