Gender and Weight Influence Quality of Life in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and bowel dysfunction in the absence of structural abnormality. Diagnosis can be challenging and often leads to extensive medical tests, non-effective therapeutic modalities, and reduced quality of life (QOL). Identifying factors associated with dysfunction have the potential to enhance outcomes. Participants with IBS (n = 41) and healthy volunteers (n = 74) were recruited into this cross-sectional, descriptive, natural history protocol at the National Institute of Health, Clinical Center. Demographic characteristics were self-reported. QOL was assessed with the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life (IBS-QOL) questionnaire. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, factorial ANOVA, and multiple regression. Individuals with IBS reported lower QOL scores across all QOL-subscales compared to healthy controls. Normal-weight women and overweight men with IBS reported the greatest QOL impairment. Body fat percent had confounding effects on the relationship between IBS and QOL. The disparity between QOL scores in participants with IBS by both gender and weight groups may reflect different social pressures perceived by normal and overweight women and men. These findings enhance the recognition of the disparities in patients with chronic symptoms and thereby lead to personalized assessment and interventions to improve their QOL.

European guideline on obesity care in patients with gastrointestinal and liver diseases – Joint ESPEN/UEG guideline

“…However, general or abdominal obesity was not associated with odds of IBS [9]. Women have a 1.5 e 3-fold higher incidence rate of IBS compared to men [10]. In conclusion, these data suggest that there is an association between IBS and obesity, but e different from IBD e sarcopenic obesity seems to play no major role in IBS.…”

European guideline on obesity care in patients with gastrointestinal and liver diseases – Joint European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism / United European Gastroenterology guideline

“… 9 Women have a 1.5 ‐ 3‐fold higher incidence rate of IBS compared to men. 10 In conclusion, these data suggest that there is an association between IBS and obesity, but ‐ different from IBD ‐ sarcopenic obesity seems to play no major role in IBS.…”

“…27 Furthermore, a higher body fat percentage predicted a lower quality of life. 10 Sarcopenia is a common feature of advanced cirrhosis. In an observational study of 161 patients with cirrhosis, patients with sarcopenia or sarcopenic obesity had a worse prognosis.…”

Social and Emotional Fears and Worries Influencing the Quality of Life of Female Celiac Disease Patients Following a Gluten-Free Diet

“…However, not all studies conducted for gastrointestinal diseases indicate such associations. For women with irritable bowel syndrome, the reverse relationship was observed and normal body mass was associated with lower QoL when compared with overweight respondents [ 46 ]. Similarly, our study did not indicate any influence of BMI on the emotional, social and worries subscales, or on purchase-related emotions and behaviors in CD patients.…”