Features of the course of irritable bowel syndrome in overweight and obese people

The aim of the study: to study the characteristics of the course of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), associated with overweight and obesity, to optimize the management of this group of patients. Material and methods. An open-label cross-sectional study was performed including 175 participants aged 18 to 44 years (mean age 30.06 ± 6.15 years). Group 1 included 100 patients with IBS 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 who did not suffer from IBS, aged from 19 to 43 years (mean age 29.31 ± 5.81 years, BMI 27.80 ± 6.20 kg/m2). Subgroup 2A included 50 participants who did not suffer from IBS and were overweight or obese. Subgroup 2B included 25 apparently healthy participants. The presence and severity of 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. All participants underwent a study of the levels of leptin and adiponectin in the blood serum and zonulin in the feces. Results. The characteristic clinical stigmas in patients suffering from IBS associated with overweight and obesity are described: IBS with a predominance of constipation, severe course of the disease, high incidence of signs of depressive and anxiety disorders, special eating habits characterized by the predominance of flour, sweet, fatty and salty foods in the diet food, severe disturbances in the permeability of the intestinal epithelial barrier. High concentrations of leptin and low levels of adiponectin in the blood serum of such patients may play a significant role in the formation of IBS symptoms. Conclusion. The results obtained open up opportunities for research into the pathogenetic mechanisms of the formation of IBS in people with overweight and obesity, as well as modification of existing treatment regimens for patients with IBS.