Lifestyle factors associated with inflammatory bowel disease: data from the Swiss IBD cohort study

Background Various environmental risk factors have been associated with the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. In this study we aimed to identify lifestyle factors that affect the onset of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Methods 2294 patients from the Swiss IBD Cohort Study received a questionnaire regarding physical activity, nutritional habits and status of weight. In addition, a control group was formed comprising patients' childhood friends, who grew up in a similar environment. Results Overall, 1111 questionnaires were returned (response rate: 48.4%). Significantly more patients with inflammatory bowel disease reported no regular practice of sport during childhood and beginning of adulthood compared to the control group (p = 0.0001). No association between intake of refined sugar and onset of inflammatory bowel disease was observed. More patients with Crohn's disease compared to ulcerative colitis and controls suffered from overweight during childhood (12.8% vs. 7.7% and 9.7%, respectively; p = 0.027). Conclusions Our study underlines the relevance of environmental factors in the development of inflammatory bowel disease. Our results imply a protective effect of physical activity regarding the onset of inflammatory bowel disease.