When your body changes because of IBD or medication

Growing up means your body will change in lots of different ways. But when you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), you might notice changes that feel confusing, frustrating, or different from what your friends are experiencing.

Maybe your weight has changed, your face looks different, you have more spots, or your body doesn't seem to be growing as quickly as you expected. Perhaps you've noticed stretch marks, changes in your hair, or other effects from your medication.

These changes can sometimes make you feel uncomfortable in your own skin. You might compare yourself to your friends, worry about what other people think, or wonder whether your body will ever feel like yours again.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Let's talk about why these changes can happen, what you can do about them, and how to feel more comfortable with your body.

💭 Why is my body changing?

There are lots of reasons your body might change when you have IBD.

Some changes happen because you're growing and going through puberty. Others may be connected to IBD itself, how well your body is absorbing nutrients, inflammation, changes in your appetite, or the medication you take.

For example, you might notice:

• Changes in your weight or body shape.

• Feeling smaller or shorter than some of your friends.

• Changes in your skin, including spots or stretch marks.

• Changes in your hair.

• Puffiness or swelling in your face.

• Changes in your energy levels or muscle strength.

• Puberty starting later than you expected.

Not everyone with IBD experiences these changes, and everyone's body develops at a different pace.

If you notice something new or something that worries you, tell your parent or carer, doctor, or IBD nurse. They can help you understand what's happening and whether anything needs to be checked.

Your body isn't doing anything wrong by changing. It's responding to lots of different things, and you deserve support while you work out what those changes mean for you.

💊 How can IBD medication affect my body?

Some medications used to treat IBD can cause changes in how your body looks or feels.

For example, corticosteroids such as prednisolone can sometimes cause an increase in appetite, weight gain, a rounder-looking face, acne, or stretch marks. They can also affect growth, particularly when used for longer periods.

Other medicines can have different side effects, and many do not cause noticeable changes in appearance at all.

If you've noticed a change since starting a medication, it can be helpful to tell your healthcare team. They can explain whether it could be a side effect and what options might be available.

It is important to remember that medications are prescribed to help manage your IBD, and controlling inflammation can also help your body grow and develop.

Never stop taking your medication or change your dose on your own because of changes to your appearance. If something is bothering you, talk to your healthcare team. They can help you weigh up the benefits of treatment and any side effects you're experiencing.

🪞 When you don't recognise your reflection

Sometimes, changes to your appearance can affect how you feel about yourself.

You might look in the mirror and notice something you wish were different. Maybe your face looks puffier than before, your clothes fit differently, or your skin has changed.

You might feel frustrated because you didn't choose these changes. You might also feel embarrassed if other people comment on them.

It's okay to have these feelings. You don't have to pretend to love every part of your appearance all the time.

But try to remember that your appearance is only one small part of who you are.

You are still the person who makes your friends laugh, enjoys your favourite hobbies, cares about other people, and has dreams for the future.

If looking in the mirror or comparing photos is making you feel worse, try taking a break from doing it so often. Focus on activities that help you feel comfortable and confident in other ways.

You don't have to love every change your body goes through to treat yourself with kindness.

📏 When your body grows differently from your friends

It can be difficult when your friends seem to be growing faster than you.

Maybe they've suddenly become taller, their bodies have changed, or they've started puberty before you. You might wonder why you're different or worry that you're falling behind.

IBD can sometimes affect growth and puberty, especially when inflammation is not well controlled or your body isn't getting enough nutrients.

Some young people with IBD grow more slowly or start puberty later than their friends. This doesn't necessarily mean they won't catch up, but it's important for your healthcare team to monitor your growth and development.

At your appointments, your doctor may check your height, weight and growth pattern over time. If they have concerns, they can look into possible reasons and discuss what support might help.

Try not to judge your progress by comparing yourself with someone else's body. People grow at different times, even without IBD.

If you're worried that you're not growing or developing as expected, tell your doctor. You deserve answers rather than having to worry about it on your own.

💬 What if people comment on my appearance?

Comments about your body can feel uncomfortable, even when someone doesn't mean to hurt you.

Someone might ask why your face looks different, comment on your weight, or tell you that you've changed. They might not realise that your appearance is connected to your health or medication.

You don't owe anyone a detailed explanation of your medical history.

If you want to respond, you could say:

• "My medication can sometimes change how my body looks."

• "I'm dealing with some health stuff, and I'd rather not talk about my appearance."

• "I'm not comfortable with comments about my body."

• "Everyone's body changes differently, and I'd prefer you didn't comment on mine."

You can also change the subject or walk away if you don't want to discuss it.

If people repeatedly make hurtful comments, tease you, or make you feel ashamed of your body, talk to someone you trust. You deserve to be treated with respect.

💚 Taking care of your body without trying to change it

When your body changes in ways you don't like, it can be tempting to try to change it back as quickly as possible.

You might want to lose weight, skip meals, exercise more than usual, or follow advice you've seen online.

But when you have IBD, your body needs enough nourishment, rest and support to grow, heal and manage inflammation.

Instead of focusing on changing your appearance, try to focus on looking after yourself.

• Eat regularly. Your body needs energy and nutrients, especially while you're growing. If eating is difficult or you're worried about your weight, ask your healthcare team or dietitian for help.

• Rest when you need to. Feeling tired doesn't mean you're lazy. Your body may need extra rest when you're unwell.

• Move in ways you enjoy. Walking, swimming, dancing, playing sport or stretching can help you feel good, depending on how you're feeling.

• Wear clothes that feel comfortable. You deserve to feel comfortable in your clothes, whatever your body looks like today.

• Be careful with advice online. Diets, supplements and products that promise to change your body may not be safe or suitable for someone with IBD.

You don't need to earn food, punish yourself for gaining weight, or push through symptoms to prove anything.

If you want to make changes to your eating or activity, speak to your healthcare team first so they can help you find an approach that supports your health and growth.

🫂 When body changes affect how you feel

Sometimes, the hardest part of a body change isn't the change itself. It's how it makes you feel.

You might avoid photos, feel uncomfortable changing for sport, compare yourself with people on social media, or worry that other people will notice your appearance.

If this is happening, try talking to someone you trust. This could be a parent or carer, your IBD nurse, a doctor, a school counsellor or a psychologist.

You don't have to wait until you're really struggling before asking for help.

You can also try following people online who show a realistic range of bodies and experiences, rather than accounts that make you feel you need to look a certain way.

And remember, you don't have to feel confident every day. Learning to feel comfortable with your body can take time, particularly when it changes in ways you didn't expect.

🌱 Your body is more than how it looks

It can be easy to focus on the parts of your body you wish were different, especially when IBD or medication changes your appearance.

But your body does so much more than look a certain way.

It carries you through your day, lets you hug people you love, helps you explore the world, and gives you the chance to do things that matter to you.

You don't have to love every change or feel positive all the time. You can feel frustrated about your appearance and still recognise that your body deserves care and respect.

Your body may look different at different stages of your life. That doesn't make you less worthy, less attractive, or less deserving of friendship.

You are not defined by your weight, height, skin, hair, or the side effects of your medication.

⭐ Remember this

IBD and its treatments can sometimes change how your body looks, feels, grows and develops. If those changes are upsetting or worrying you, you don't have to deal with them alone.

Talk to your healthcare team about changes you're noticing, and ask questions if you're unsure whether something is related to your IBD or medication.

Give yourself time to adjust, be kind to yourself on difficult days, and remember that your body deserves nourishment, rest and care.

You don't have to look a certain way to be healthy, valuable, or enough. You are more than your IBD, and you deserve to feel comfortable being yourself. 💚

This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you notice changes in your body or are concerned about medication side effects, speak to your parent or carer and healthcare team. Never stop or change your medication without medical advice.