The Effect of Body Mass Index on the Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms Among a Saudi Population

Abstract

Background: While multiple studies have evaluated the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, data from Saudi Arabia are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the association between GI symptoms and BMI in a Saudi population.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2019 and April 2020. The data were collected using an electronic self-administered questionnaire. The study included adult participants and collected data on patients' demographics and GI symptoms. Participants with underlying GI diseases were excluded. A multivariate regression analysis was used to report the adjusted prevalence of GI symptoms in different BMI categories.Results: A total of 4415 participants completed the survey. After applying the exclusion criteria, 3866 were included. The mean age was 26.3 (±8.8) and 58.2% were females. The mean BMI was 25.2 (±6.7), and the distribution of BMI was as follows:

Relationships between body mass index and constipation, gastroesophageal reflux disease, stool forms based on the Bristol Stool Form Scale, and education level: results from an internet survey in Japan

“…( 21 ) On the other hand, there have also been reports that constipation was not related to BMI. ( 22 , 23 ) A recent review of studies about constipation did not show the prevalence and related factors in obese individuals. ( 24 – 27 )…”

“…(21) On the other hand, there have also been reports that constipation was not related to BMI. (22,23) A recent review of studies about constipation did not show the prevalence and related factors in obese individuals. (24)(25)(26)(27) High BMI and obesity have repeatedly been reported to be related to a high prevalence of GERD.…”

Association Between Food Intake and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients With Obesity

“… 17 , 24 Several studies show a high prevalence of various symptoms (ie, bloating and diarrhea) in patients with obesity. 35 Here, we showed the association of each component of food intake with GI symptoms. These components were labeled as increased or decreased based on the data in an independent cohort of 450 adults with obesity, from which we proposed a pathophysiological and behavioral phenotype-based classification of obesity.…”

Association between Self-Perception of Chewing, Chewing Behavior, and the Presence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Candidates for Bariatric Surgery

“…A high frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms was observed among the participants in this study, with a higher frequency of gastroesophageal reflux, flatulence, postprandial heartburn, and sensation of gastric fullness. This can be partially explained by the nutritional profile of this population, as obesity is considered a risk factor for gastrointestinal disorders due to associated anatomical and physiological alterations [ 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 ]. Based solely on the collected data, it is not possible to clearly identify what may have generated such behaviors.…”