Clinical stigmas of irritable bowel syndrome associated with obesity and overweight

Objective. To identify clinical stigmas and eating habits of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) against the background of overweight and obesity in order to improve the effectiveness of management of this cohort of patients.Material and methods. Open cross-sectional cohort study with 175 participants aged 18 to 44 years (mean age 30,06 ± 6,15 years) was carried out. Group 1 included 100 obese or overweight IBS patients aged 18 to 44 years (mean age 30.63 ± 6.37 years, BMI 25.88 ± 6.28 kg/m2). In group 1, subgroup 1A included 50 people with IBS associated with overweight or obesity. Subgroup 1B included 50 IBS patients with normal weight. Group 2 included 75 people without IBS, aged 19 to 43 years (mean age 29.31 ± 5.81 years, BMI 27.80 ± 6.20 kg/m2). Subgroup 2A included 50 participants without IBS who were overweight or obese. Subgroup 2B included 25 conditionally healthy participants. IBS symptoms were assessed using a 10-point scale. The severity of gastrointestinal symptoms, the presence of anxiety and depression, the level of specific anxiety, quality of life, and eating habits were assessed using verified questionnaires.Results. Patients suffering from IBS associated with obesity and overweight have characteristic clinical stigmas, namely: IBS with predominant constipation, severe course of IBS, depressive and anxiety disorders, eating habits characterized by predominance of floury, sweet, fatty and salty foods in the diet, and low intake of fruits and vegetables containing dietary fiber.Conclusions. The identified clinical stigmas suggest the presence of a portrait of an IBS patient with excessive body weight or obesity, which creates the need to elucidate the mechanisms of IBS formation and progression in overweight and obese individuals.