What Are The Triggers Of Diverticulitis? 10 Common Causes

Overweight or Obesity

Obesity and overweight are defined as having more accumulated body fat. People who are obese and overweight are considered unhealthy and are likely to develop chronic diseases like hypertension, sleep apnea, joint disorders, and diabetes. Being overweight or obese could result from an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activities, genetics, and environmental factors. 

Because of these, people who are overweight or obese have a weaker digestive tract. A study among overweight adults showed that they have low levels of beneficial bacteria, making them more prone to infection. Another recent study showed that high levels of abdominal visceral fat and subcutaneous fat are direct factors that cause diverticulitis. Several animal studies also prove that obesity increases the risk of developing severe diverticulitis.

Patients who suffer from overweight and obesity are more likely to experience heightened symptoms. Extreme abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, difficulty in defecating, and nausea are some signs they suffer from. In the worst cases, diverticulitis can lead to hospitalization or death.