Body image concerns are common among people with IBD, and can be a result of the disease itself or the treatments used to manage it. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including the nature of the disease itself, the side effects of medication, weight loss or gain and the psychological impact of living with a chronic illness.
Many women with IBD are self-conscious about their appearance due to frequent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and bloating. They may also have scarring from surgery. In addition, many women with IBD are on long-term steroid therapy, which can cause weight gain, facial puffiness, and thinning hair. All of these physical changes can lead to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem.