Body image and nutritional health in people with cystic fibrosis taking elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor.

Nutritional status and weight are critical to cystic fibrosis (CF) care; however, this emphasis increases risk for body image concerns. Limited research has examined body image and esteem in people with CF (PWCF) after the approval of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI), a highly effective gene modulator that can cause significant weight gain for those taking it. This study investigated associations among body image, body esteem, and weight status in 375 PWCF, ages 7-74 years (M = 26), taking ETI. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing body image dissatisfaction and body esteem. Weight status was categorized based on BMI/BMI percentile. Most (65%) PWCF endorsed body image dissatisfaction. Body esteem and dissatisfaction differed between sexes, across age groups and weight status. PWCF who wanted to be thinner had the lowest body esteem. Results suggest that contemporary CF care ideally should assess and address body image concerns in PWCF, particularly those most at risk.

Duke Scholars

Author Megan Von Isenburg