Excessive Body Weight and Diverticular Disease

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Global overweight and obesity rates have dramatically increased, nearly doubling between 1975 and 2016.
• Obesity is linked to numerous gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI diseases.
• Diverticulitis prevalence has also significantly risen in specific populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing evidence on the relationship between obesity and the risk of developing diverticulosis or diverticular disease.
• To investigate the impact of obesity on the outcomes of diverticular disease.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of scientific literature was conducted.
• Evidence regarding obesity as a risk factor for diverticular disease was examined.
• The association between body mass index (BMI) and diverticular disease outcomes was analyzed.

Main Results:

• Overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m²), obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), and particularly visceral obesity, are identified as risk factors.
• Increased risk is associated with diverticulosis, diverticular disease, diverticulitis, and diverticular bleeding.
• Obesity correlates with more severe or complicated disease, recurrent episodes, and poorer surgical outcomes.

Conclusions:

• A strong association exists between being overweight/obese and diverticular disease.
• While the exact causal link requires further clarification, weight management strategies could mitigate diverticular disease burden.
• Addressing the obesity epidemic may concurrently reduce diverticular disease morbidity and mortality.