From the Guidelines
The main risk factors for diverticulitis include a combination of genetic, dietary, lifestyle, and medication-related factors, with approximately 50% of the risk attributable to genetic factors, as highlighted in the 2021 study published in Gastroenterology 1. The key risk factors for diverticulitis can be categorized into several broad areas, including:
- Diet: a low-fiber diet, high in red meat and sweets, increases the risk of diverticulitis, whereas a prudent dietary pattern, high in fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, is associated with a decreased risk 1
- Lifestyle: physical inactivity, obesity, particularly central obesity, weight gain, and smoking are all risk factors for diverticulitis 1
- Medications: regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opiate analgesics, and corticosteroids increases the risk of diverticulitis 1
- Genetics: genetic factors play a central role in determining the risk of diverticulitis, with twin and sibling studies indicating that 40-50% of the risk is attributed to genetic effects 1 To reduce the risk of diverticulitis, it is essential to:
- Maintain a high-fiber diet, with a daily intake of 25-30 grams of fiber 1
- Stay physically active, with a focus on vigorous physical activity 1
- Achieve or maintain a normal body mass index (BMI) 1
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, particularly in cases of alcoholism 1
- Avoid regular use of NSAIDs, opiate analgesics, and corticosteroids, unless medically necessary 1 These factors contribute to diverticulitis risk by affecting bowel function and pressure, with a low-fiber diet and inactivity leading to constipation and increased pressure in the colon, potentially causing weak spots in the intestinal wall to form pouches (diverticula) that can become inflamed or infected, resulting in diverticulitis 1.
From the Research
Risk Factors for Diverticulitis
The risk factors for diverticulitis, which is the inflammation of the diverticula, can be categorized into several groups. These include:
- Non-controllable risk factors such as age and sex 2, 3
- Lifestyle factors like food, drinks, and physical activity 3, 4
- Use of certain medications like NSAIDs, aspirin, steroids, and opioids 4
- Smoking and sedentary lifestyle 4
Demographic Risk Factors
Some demographic factors have been identified as risk factors for diverticulitis, including:
- Increasing age, with the majority of cases occurring in people over 60 years old 2, 4
- Sex, with some studies suggesting that males are more likely to develop severe diverticulitis 2
- Obesity, which has been linked to an increased risk of diverticulitis, particularly in younger populations 2, 5
Lifestyle and Dietary Risk Factors
Lifestyle and dietary factors can also play a role in the development of diverticulitis, including:
- Low-fiber diet, which may increase the risk of diverticulitis 4
- High frequency of bowel movements, which has been linked to an increased risk of diverticulitis in some studies 6
- Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle, which may contribute to the development of diverticulitis 4
Other Risk Factors
Other risk factors for diverticulitis include: