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Extensive research conducted over the past decade has revealed that gastrointestinal (GI) issues are twice as prevalent than diabetes in the United States, affecting 1 in 4 adults. Digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's Disease, and chronic reflux generate over $136 billion in direct health care costs each year—more than heart disease, mental health, and trauma. GI issues are consistently in the top 5 of employee-related health care costs, according to UnitedHealth Group. Yet employers often overlook GI conditions as they consider their benefit offerings, even though it's likely that a large proportion of their workforce is living and struggling with these conditions.
Living with chronic digestive health conditions can be even more challenging for women. With 75% of women in the U.S. today experiencing daily gastrointestinal symptoms of IBS, Crohn's, or UC, it's time we made gut health part of the women's health conversation.
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