Living in an Altered Body: An Integrative Review of Body Image Dissatisfaction in Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic gastrointestinal condition that affects physical health, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life. Body image dissatisfaction is a prevalent yet underrecognized concern among adults living with inflammatory bowel disease and has important implications for nursing care. The purpose of this integrative literature review was to synthesize existing evidence on body image dissatisfaction in adults with inflammatory bowel disease and examine its relevance for nursing practice. A systematic search of four electronic databases was conducted in December 2025, and 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were critically appraised and analyzed. Four key themes emerged: altered body perception, psychosocial effects, gender and societal influences, and symptom burden with associated treatments. Findings demonstrate that body image dissatisfaction extends beyond physical appearance and is closely linked to emotional distress, social withdrawal, stigma, and reduced health-related quality of life. Symptoms, medical treatments, and surgical interventions further contribute to negative body perception. Nurses are uniquely positioned to identify and address body image concerns through holistic assessment, patient education, emotional support, and advocacy for multidisciplinary care. Integrating body image assessment into routine nursing practice may improve patient engagement, psychosocial well-being, treatment adherence, and overall quality of life for individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease.