How IBD can affect your growth and development

Growing up means lots of changes happen to your body. You might get taller, gain weight, develop new features and go through puberty. But if you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (IBD), these changes might happen a little differently for you.

If you feel like you’re growing slower than your friends or your body is changing at a different pace, you’re not alone. IBD can sometimes affect how your body grows and develops, but there are ways your healthcare team can help.

🌱 How does IBD affect growth?

Your body needs energy and nutrients to grow. When you have IBD, a few things can make this harder:

• Inflammation: When your bowel is inflamed, your body uses extra energy to deal with it.

• Trouble absorbing nutrients: Inflammation can make it harder for your body to absorb some of the nutrients it needs.

• Eating less: Stomach pain, nausea or feeling full quickly can make it difficult to eat enough.

• Flare-ups: When your IBD is active, your body may need more energy while you might be eating less.

• Some medications: Steroids, such as prednisolone, can affect growth if you need them for a long time or have repeated courses.

These things can sometimes mean you grow more slowly, gain weight differently or take longer to reach certain stages of development.

📏 Why am I shorter than my friends?

Everyone grows at their own pace, and being shorter than your friends doesn't automatically mean something is wrong.

However, some kids and teens with IBD grow more slowly than expected, especially if their inflammation isn't well controlled. You might notice that you're not getting taller as quickly as you used to.

Your doctor will check your height and weight over time to see how you're growing. They might compare your growth with previous measurements and look at whether you're following your usual growth pattern.

If your growth has slowed down, it doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. It could be a sign that your body needs extra support.

🦋 How can IBD affect puberty?

Puberty is when your body starts changing from a child's body towards an adult body. These changes happen at different times for everyone.

If you have IBD, especially if it's active, puberty might start later than it does for some of your friends.

You might notice that:

• Your friends are growing taller or developing faster than you.

• Your voice, body shape or other physical features are changing later.

• Your periods start later than expected, if you have periods.

• You feel younger or look younger than people your age.

This can feel frustrating or embarrassing, especially when everyone around you seems to be changing. But being a late bloomer doesn't mean you'll always be behind. When inflammation is controlled and your body gets the nutrition it needs, growth and puberty may catch up.

If you're worried about your development, tell your IBD team. They can check whether everything is progressing as expected.

🥗 What can help me grow?

Your body needs the right support to grow, develop and stay strong. Here are some ways to help:

• Eat enough: Try to eat regular meals and snacks to give your body the energy it needs.

• Get a variety of nutrients: Protein, calcium, vitamin D, iron and other nutrients all help support healthy growth.

• Take your medication as prescribed: Keeping inflammation under control can help your body grow and develop.

• Tell your team about symptoms: If you're struggling to eat, losing weight or having frequent flare-ups, let your healthcare team know.

• Keep up with check-ups: Your doctor can monitor your growth and check whether you need extra nutritional support.

You might sometimes need supplements or special nutritional drinks. Your healthcare team can help you work out what's right for you.

You don't need to follow a perfect diet or change your body to look like your friends. The goal is to give your body what it needs to grow in its own way.

🩺 How can my IBD team help?

Your healthcare team can monitor your growth and puberty as part of your regular appointments. They might measure your height and weight, check blood tests or ask questions about your development.

If they notice that you're growing more slowly than expected, they can investigate why and help you get the support you need.

Sometimes, they may recommend seeing a dietitian or a specialist who focuses on growth and puberty. The earlier a problem is identified, the sooner they can help.

💙 What if I feel different from everyone else?

It's completely understandable to feel upset, embarrassed or frustrated if your body looks different from your friends' bodies.

You might feel left behind when everyone else seems to be growing taller, developing faster or talking about changes you haven't experienced yet.

Remember:

• Your body isn't doing anything wrong.

• Everyone develops at a different pace.

• Having IBD doesn't mean you won't grow or develop.

• You don't have to explain your body to anyone unless you want to.

• It's okay to talk about your feelings with someone you trust.

If comparing yourself with others is getting you down, try to remember that you can't always see what someone else is going through. Your body has its own timeline, and you deserve to feel good about yourself at every stage.

💬 When should I talk to my doctor?

Talk to your IBD team if you're worried about your height, weight, puberty or the way your body is changing. It's especially important if you've stopped growing as expected, are losing weight without trying or haven't started puberty when expected.

You don't need to wait until your next appointment if something is worrying you.

You could say, "I'm worried that I'm not growing or developing like my friends. Can we talk about it?"

Your healthcare team is there to help, and there are ways to support your growth and development.

⭐ Remember

Having IBD can sometimes affect how quickly you grow and go through puberty, but it doesn't mean your body can't develop and thrive. With the right treatment, nutrition and support, you can give your body the best chance to grow and become the person you're meant to be.

You are more than your height, your weight or your stage of puberty. You're still you, and you're growing in your own way.