New research presented at a Brazilian medical conference suggests that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, has become far more common in Brazil over the past decade. The findings matter because they point to a wider global pattern, with more people, including younger adults, potentially living with these lifelong digestive conditions.
What happened
The study was presented at the 74th Brazilian Congress of Coloproctology, held in Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina, and running until 26 September 2026. It was carried out by researchers from the Brazilian Society of Coloproctology, working with colleagues from Brazilian universities and the University of Calgary in Canada.
Using records from Brazil’s national public healthcare system, the researchers looked at how many people were living with IBD, and how many new cases were diagnosed, between 2012 and 2025.
What the researchers found
According to the study authors, the number of people affected by IBD in Brazil rose from 30 to 158 for every 100,000 people over the 13-year period, a fivefold increase. The rate of new diagnoses each year also rose, from just over 9 to more than 12 cases per 100,000 people.
The researchers described IBD as a condition with more than one cause. Genetic factors play a role, but not everyone with IBD carries the gene patterns linked to the condition, which suggests that factors in daily life, such as diet and pollution, may also be involved. The study authors pointed specifically to the rise in ultra-processed foods, which often contain preservatives, colourings and thickeners designed to extend shelf life and improve appearance. They suggested that these changes in eating patterns over recent decades could be one of several factors contributing to the increase in IBD cases, although this has not been proven and further research is needed.
Why this matters
IBD has no cure, and treatment focuses on controlling inflammation and managing symptoms rather than eliminating the underlying condition. People are often diagnosed at a young age and may need medical care for many decades afterwards.
The research team projected that new diagnoses in Brazil could reach almost 23 per 100,000 people by 2035, meaning the overall number of people living with IBD could rise by around two-thirds compared with 2025. The study authors suggested that from around 2040, IBD could become a significant public health issue in Brazil, comparable to conditions such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, although this remains a projection rather than a certainty.
What to keep in mind
These figures come from a conference presentation rather than a peer-reviewed published study, so the full details of the research methods have not yet been independently reviewed. The data reflect Brazil’s public healthcare system and may not capture everyone diagnosed privately. The suggested link between ultra-processed foods and IBD is based on observed patterns rather than proven cause and effect, and researchers say more work is needed to understand exactly why cases are rising. Anyone with concerns about digestive symptoms should speak with a healthcare professional rather than drawing conclusions from population-level trends.
Reference
Quaresma A, Kotze P, et al. Incidence and prevalence trends of inflammatory bowel disease in Brazil, 2012 to 2025 (data from the Brazilian public healthcare system). Presented at the 74th Brazilian Congress of Coloproctology, Balneário Camboriú, Brazil, 23 to 26 September 2026. Full peer-reviewed publication not yet available at time of writing.
This article is a journalistic summary for informational purposes only. It does not constitute clinical advice or a recommendation to alter treatment decisions.