Eating a poor diet and not exercising are major risk factors for constipation. You may also be at greater risk if you’re:

Age 65 or older. Older adults tend to be less physically active, have underlying diseases, and eat poorer diets.

Confined to bed. Those who have certain medical conditions, such as spinal cord injuries, often have difficulty with bowel movements.

A woman or child. Women have more frequent episodes of constipation than men, and children are affected more often than adults.

Pregnant. Hormonal changes and pressure on your intestines from your growing baby can lead to constipation.

Changing your diet and increasing your physical activity level are the easiest and fastest ways to treat and prevent constipation.

Most cases of constipation are mild and easily treated with changes in diet and exercise.

If you’re experiencing chronic constipation, or constipation along with other bowel changes, it’s important that you talk to your doctor.