Our aim
The IBDLifestyle Food and Exercise (IBDLiFE) study aims to improve nutritional status and body composition through 6 months of nutrition and exercise education for adults with inflammatory bowel disease.
Reasons behind the IBDlife study
According to international studies, approximately one-third of people with IBD are now living with overweight or obesity. To find out more about this, we recently completed a survey to understand the nutritional status on people living with IBD in New Zealand.
The results from this study showed thatnearly half of our study participants living with IBD were engaging in behaviours that are linked to heart disease and other related conditions. These conditions can be prevented through positive lifestyle changes (nutrition and exercise), highlighting the potential to improve the health and wellbeing of the IBD community.
Targeting nutrition and physical activity
It is well known that healthy eating and being physically active keeps us healthy and prevents the early development of conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. However, healthy eating and exercise can be challenging for people living with IBD, as the disease affects many aspects of their lives. It is common to see a reduction in physical activity after an IBD diagnosis because of the gut symptoms and other barriers related to IBD.
Diet is unquestionably one of the most discussed topics in IBD. Dietary misinformation from websites, as well as conflicting advice from friends, family, and healthcare provider can cause confusion. A lack of nutrition support for people with IBD can lead to unnecessary food avoidance, which may contribute to nutrient deficiencies and other health consequences.
What do we hope to achieve with this study?
For our participants, we hope that we will be able to support positive lifestyle changes to improve their health even after the study finishes. Furthermore, this study will inform diet and exercise recommendations for people living with IBD.
How to participate in this study?
You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:
- are aged 18 years or older
- have had a confirmed diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis)
- live in Otago or Southland
How to get involved?
If you are interested in participating in the IBDlife study, please fill in this questionnaire. Alternatively you can email ibdeat@otago.ac.nz for more information.
Study Co-ordinator
Jia Yap
ibdeat@otago.ac.nz
ph: 0212792132
Principal Investigator
Professor Michael Schultz
michael.schultz@otago.ac.nz
Contact information
email: ibdeat@otago.ac.nz
phone: 0212792132