Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Metabolic Syndrome among Young Adults

Abstract

Background and Aim: Nutrient absorption, dietary pattern, and food ingestion might be affected by a common gastrointestinal disorder known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Metabolic syndrome is significantly associated with nutrition-related parameters, inferring irritable bowel syndrome which increases the potential risk for metabolic syndrome (MS). The present study aimed to assess the incidence of irritable bowel syndrome and metabolic syndrome among young adults. 

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 428 adults between 16 and 60 years at the Department of Medicine and Gastroenterology, Isra University Hospital, Halaroad Hyderabad from January 2019 to December 2021. Anthropometry and biochemistry were used in screening out the individual health check-up. The presence and absence of metabolic syndrome were identified based on the results. Individuals with a history of metabolic syndrome or already on medication for dyslipidemia or diabetic Mellitus or hypertension were excluded. 

Results: Of the total patients, the incidence of irritable bowel syndrome and metabolic syndrome was 18 (4.2%) and 132 (30.8%) respectively. The proportion of irritable bowel syndrome was insignificant in patients with or without metabolic syndrome (1.9% versus 4.1% respectively; p=0.5). Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome had a significantly higher mean weight 74.5 kg versus 66.8 kg; p=0.007). The mean value of body mass index, waist circumference, and fasting glucose was 27.6 versus 23.8 kg; p=0.001, 87.6 versus 84.3 cm, and 97 versus 88 mg/dl; p<0.000) respectively.  

Conclusion: In our study, we discovered an insignificant association between irritable bowel syndrome and the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome in young adults. Furthermore, the study findings suggested that irritable bowel syndrome treatment could be used to prevent metabolic syndrome as a potentially beneficial factor.