Researchers analyzed data from 1999 to 2021 to understand how different eating patterns around the world affect inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—a painful condition affecting the digestive system. They found that people in Western countries with typical American and European diets are getting IBD more often than people in Mediterranean and African regions. The study shows that IBD cases are increasing globally, with older adults (ages 50-69) most commonly affected. Men appear to have higher death rates and more severe disease than women. This research suggests that what we eat plays an important role in whether we develop this serious gut condition.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How different eating styles around the world affect the rates of inflammatory bowel disease (a condition causing stomach pain and digestive problems)
  • Who participated: This study analyzed health records from millions of people across the globe from 1999 to 2021, looking at six different regions with different typical diets
  • Key finding: People living in Western countries (where typical diets include more processed foods, meat, and dairy) are developing inflammatory bowel disease more frequently than people in Mediterranean countries (which emphasize vegetables, olive oil, and fish) and African regions
  • What it means for you: Your diet may influence your risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. Eating patterns similar to Mediterranean diets (more plants, less processed foods) appear protective, though this doesn’t guarantee you won’t develop the condition. If you have digestive problems, discuss dietary changes with your doctor

The Research Details

Researchers collected health information about inflammatory bowel disease from 1999 to 2021 using the Global Burden of Disease study, which tracks health conditions worldwide. They organized data by six different dietary regions—basically grouping countries by what people typically eat there. They then used statistical software to track how IBD cases, deaths, and disability changed year by year in each region.

The team calculated several important measurements: how many new cases appeared each year (incidence), how many people had the disease at any given time (prevalence), how many people died from it (mortality), and how much the disease affected people’s quality of life (disability). They looked at trends separately for different age groups and compared men versus women.

This approach allowed researchers to see patterns over 22 years and understand whether Western eating habits were connected to higher rates of this serious gut disease.

This research matters because it uses real-world health data from millions of people across many countries and many years. By comparing different dietary regions, researchers can identify whether eating patterns might be a modifiable risk factor—something people could potentially change to reduce their disease risk. Understanding these patterns helps doctors and public health officials develop prevention strategies.

This study used data from the Global Burden of Disease study, which is a well-established, internationally recognized source of health information. The researchers used appropriate statistical methods to track trends over time. However, the study is observational, meaning it shows associations between diet and disease rather than proving that diet directly causes IBD. Individual factors like genetics, infections, and stress also play important roles in developing IBD.

What the Results Show

Inflammatory bowel disease cases increased every year from 1999 to 2021 across the entire world and in all six dietary regions studied. This upward trend was consistent and measurable. The regions with Western-style diets (typical of North America and Europe) showed higher rates of new IBD cases compared to Mediterranean regions and African regions, which had the lowest rates.

The disease most commonly first appears in people between ages 50 and 69 years old. However, death rates were highest in people aged 70 and above, suggesting the disease becomes more serious with age. Interestingly, men and women developed IBD at roughly similar rates, but men experienced higher death rates, more cases of the disease overall, and greater disability from the condition.

The study found that across all six dietary regions, men consistently had worse outcomes than women, both in terms of how many people got sick and how many people died from the disease.

The research highlighted that disability from IBD (measured by years lived with the condition affecting daily life) was significantly higher in men than women globally. The burden of disease, calculated as disability-adjusted life years (a measure combining years lost to death and years lived with disability), was also higher in males across all dietary regions. This suggests that men not only get IBD more severely but also experience greater long-term impacts on their quality of life.

Previous research has suggested that Western diets high in processed foods, red meat, and low in fiber may increase IBD risk, while Mediterranean-style diets rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats may be protective. This study confirms those patterns on a global scale, showing that regions where people eat Western-style diets consistently have higher IBD rates. The finding that IBD is increasing worldwide aligns with other research showing that as countries become more developed and adopt Western eating patterns, IBD rates tend to rise.

This study shows associations between dietary regions and IBD rates but cannot prove that diet directly causes the disease. Many other factors influence IBD development, including genetics, infections, stress levels, and access to healthcare. The study analyzed regional dietary patterns rather than individual diets, so we don’t know exactly what each person ate. Additionally, the quality of health reporting may differ between countries, which could affect the accuracy of comparisons. The study doesn’t account for other lifestyle factors like exercise, smoking, or stress that also influence IBD risk.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, adopting a Mediterranean-style diet (emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and olive oil while limiting processed foods and red meat) may help reduce IBD risk. This recommendation has moderate confidence because the study shows association rather than direct causation. If you have digestive symptoms or family history of IBD, discuss dietary modifications with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. These changes may also benefit your overall health even if they don’t prevent IBD entirely.

This research is most relevant for people with family history of inflammatory bowel disease, those experiencing digestive symptoms, and anyone interested in disease prevention through diet. Healthcare providers and public health officials should pay attention to these trends. People living in Western countries may particularly benefit from considering dietary changes. However, this research doesn’t mean that eating a Western diet guarantees you’ll develop IBD—genetics and other factors are also very important.

Dietary changes typically take several weeks to months to show effects on digestive health. If you’re making dietary changes to reduce IBD risk, give yourself at least 8-12 weeks to notice improvements in digestion and overall well-being. However, this research doesn’t provide specific timelines for disease prevention, as IBD development is influenced by many factors beyond diet.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily meals using a food diary feature, specifically noting servings of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and processed foods. Rate digestive comfort on a 1-10 scale each day to identify patterns between what you eat and how you feel
  • Gradually replace one processed food item per week with a whole food alternative. For example, swap processed snacks for fresh fruit, or replace one red meat meal with fish or legumes. Use the app to set weekly dietary goals aligned with Mediterranean eating patterns
  • Create a monthly report comparing your diet composition (percentage of processed vs. whole foods) and digestive symptoms. Set reminders to increase vegetable servings and track fiber intake. If symptoms worsen, use the app to share food logs with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance

This research shows associations between dietary patterns and inflammatory bowel disease rates but does not prove that diet alone causes or prevents IBD. Inflammatory bowel disease is a complex condition influenced by genetics, infections, immune system function, and environmental factors. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have symptoms of digestive disease, are at risk for IBD, or are considering major dietary changes, consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making changes. Do not use this information to self-diagnose or self-treat IBD or other medical conditions.