In this video from Gut Instinct, a vlogger with Crohn’s disease talks about her battle with inflammatory bowel disease and body image.

MORE: What not to say to someone with inflammatory bowel disease. 

She explains that the effects of the disease can make young people feel very self-conscious about their appearance. Coupled with the fact that many IBD treatments cause visible side effects (like steroids, which can cause facial swelling), it can be a difficult time for teenagers and young adults to feel confident.

Many people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis find that their weight fluctuates, particularly when they’re having a flare-up. Most people will lose weight during a flare and gain weight when they recover. So on top of feeling ill, they have to field unwanted comments on how they look—all of which just adds to body image issues.

MORE: Crohn’s disease flare-ups: An emergency guide.

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