Takeda China and Shanghai Daily Launch 'Healthy Living Walk' Campaign to Raise IBD Awareness on World IBD Day

Takeda China Partners with Shanghai Daily to Launch First Stop of "Healthy Living Journey"

SHANGHAI, May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking the 12th World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day, the first stop of the 2021 "Healthy Living Tour" —— a public science popularization event focusing on the new "gut" health landscape, was held in Shanghai today. Initiated by Shanghai Daily, co-organized by the Shanghai Health Promotion Center, guided by the Office of the Shanghai Health Promotion Committee, and supported by Takeda China, the event aims to popularize intestinal health knowledge and advocate new healthy lifestyle concepts to the public through diverse educational activities. During the event, leading gastroenterology experts shared knowledge on intestinal diseases, represented by IBD, while patient representatives were invited to share their personal disease-fighting journeys on-site, calling for greater public understanding and attention toward IBD patients. Nutritionists were also invited to provide detailed guidance on dietary and nutritional health for patients and attendees. Additionally, through a creative cooking challenge, customized healthy and nutritious meals were prepared for IBD patients, helping them achieve "dietary freedom" and improve their quality of life.

Group Photo of Guests at the "Focus on Health, New 'Gut' Normal" Disease Awareness Event

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, nonspecific inflammatory disease of the intestine of unknown etiology, primarily comprising ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). In recent years, the incidence of IBD in China has been increasing year by year.^[1], the number of patients is expected to reach 1.5 million by 2025^[2]. IBD is characterized by its incurable, chronic relapsing, and potentially disabling nature, requiring patients to adhere to long-term medication and regular follow-up visits. However, due to low public awareness of IBD, early symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and rectal bleeding are often overlooked, leading to delayed medical consultation and directly impacting disease progression.

Professor Ge Wensong, Associate Chief Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicinestated: "The digestive system is vital to human health and urgently requires greater attention. As a type of intestinal disorder, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has recently demonstrated a pronounced trend toward younger onset, coupled with high rates of underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. Through continuous disease awareness initiatives, we hope the general public can gain a deeper understanding of IBD. Strengthening early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to maximally delay disease progression, reduce the risks of hospitalization, surgery, and disability, and ultimately achieve the therapeutic goals of long-term clinical remission and mucosal healing."

In addition to adhering to appropriate long-term treatment regimens, dietary management is also a critical aspect of daily care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Due to reduced oral intake, impaired intestinal nutrient absorption, increased nutrient demands, and the metabolic effects of therapeutic medications, malnutrition is highly prevalent among IBD patients. Results from a 2017 survey on the nutritional status of hospitalized IBD patients in China indicated a malnutrition prevalence rate of 55%.^[3]Research indicates that, due to intestinal sensitivity, most IBD patients avoid certain specific foods in their daily diet. The resulting changes in dietary attitudes and habits will affect patients' social lives and reduce their quality of life.^[4]。

The two patient representatives participating in the event—one with ulcerative colitis and the other with Crohn’s disease—shared their respective experiences in managing their conditions, expressing a strong desire for a healthy, diverse, and nutritious diet. Under the guidance of nutrition experts, the on-site audience collaboratively selected suitable healthy ingredients for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and through a creative culinary competition, tailored innovative dishes that seamlessly balance nutritional value and great taste for the patients, ultimately helping IBD patients achieve the goal of a nutritionally balanced diet.

Prof. Feng Yi, Associate Chief Physician, Department of Clinical Nutrition, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicinestated: “Patients with IBD must carefully select their foods, as inappropriate dietary choices may exacerbate their condition. Therefore, it is essential to tailor suitable dietary recommendations based on factors such as the patient’s clinical status and treatment stage. Through this event, we hope to help IBD patients apply professional nutritional knowledge to choose healthy foods and appropriate cooking methods, while avoiding items that may worsen or trigger symptoms. By broadening dietary options and maintaining optimal nutritional status, we aim to help patients further improve their quality of life.”

Mr. Shan Guohong, President of Takeda Chinastated: "Takeda has a long history and extensive resources in the field of gastroenterology. Over the years, we have consistently adhered to the principle of 'Patients First.' While actively promoting the continuous advancement of research and clinical practice in gastroenterology in China, we are also committed to making positive contributions to enhancing disease awareness and health education. We are honored to support this 'Healthy Living Journey' campaign, translating our leading resources in digestive therapeutics and our accumulated patient insights into practical initiatives that effectively help IBD patients regain confidence and return to normal life. Looking ahead, Takeda will continue to focus on the real needs of patients, accelerate the introduction of innovative medicines, and help improve patients' quality of life, continuously fulfilling our determination for scientific innovation and our commitment to benefiting patients."

[1] Alatab S, Sepanlou S G, Ikuta K, et al. The global, regional, and national burden of inflammatory bowel disease in 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017[J]. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2020, 5(1): 17-30.

[2] KAPLAN G G. The global burden of IBD：from 2015 to 2025[J]. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol，2015，12（12）：720⁃727.

[3] Inflammatory Bowel Disease Group, Chinese Society of Gastroenterology, Chinese Medical Association; Gastroenterology and Nutrition Collaborative Group, Chinese Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, Chinese Medical Association

Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2018, 2(3): 154-172 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.2096-367X.2018.03.004

[4] Zallot C, et,al. Dietary beliefs and behavior among inflammatory bowel disease patients. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2013 Jan;19(1):66-72.