The Relationship Between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 49,662 Individuals

Abstract

Background

Studies have shown mixed results regarding the association between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and metabolic syndrome (MS); This study aimed to assess the susceptibility of IBS patients to MS and its individual components.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched on 1/1/2023. Eligible studies were screened, and data on study characteristics, IBS diagnostic criteria, and metabolic syndrome components were extracted. Data were analysed in RevMan 5.4, with results reported as relative risk (RR) or mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

IBS was associated with an increased risk of MS (RR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.50–2.79, p < 0.00001), with a higher risk among IBS-D patients (RR = 3.09, 95% CI = 2.41–3.97, p < 0.00001). IBS patients showed increased HOMA-IR (MD = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.15–0.26, p < 0.00001), higher obesity risk (RR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.10–1.93, p = 0.009), elevated BMI (MD = 1.51, 95% CI = 0.98–2.03, p-value < 0.00001), waist circumference (MD = 5.01, 95% CI = 1.29–8.72, p = 0.008), and an association with systolic hypertension (MD = −0.50, 95% CI = −0.60 to −0.40, p-value < 0.00001). IBS was also linked to higher LDL (MD = 5.98, 95% CI = 0.91–11.05, p = 0.02), total cholesterol (MD = 12.21, 95% CI = 6.23–18.18, p < 0.0001), and triglycerides (MD = 11.93, 95% CI = 11.55–12.31, p < 0.00001).

Conclusions

This analysis indicates a potential association between IBS and metabolic syndrome, including its components such as obesity, hypertension, and lipid profile abnormalities. However, significant heterogeneity among studies limits the generalisability of these findings. Clinicians should remain aware of the possible link and consider individualised preventive and management strategies.