Fysekidis M, Bouchoucha M, Mary F, Airinei G, Bon C, Benamouzig R

BACKGROUND / AIMS Changes in appetite are a frequent complaint in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the changes in appetite are associated with specific FGIDs, and to explore associations of these changes with symptoms of anxiety or depression.

METHODS This study included 1,009 consecutive FGID patients (71% female), aged 48.9 years who all filled out a Rome III questionnaire for the evaluation of FGIDs, submitted to a psychological evaluation of symptoms of anxiety and completed the Beck Depression Inventory questionnaire. The patients were classified according to their appetite change using a seven-point grading scale and split into three groups: those with appetite loss, those with no change in appetite and those with increased appetite.

RESULTS Among the 1.009, 496 patients (49%) reported a change in appetite, of which 332 (33%) patients reported a decrease in appetite and 164 (16 %) patients reported an increase in appetite. Appetite was not affected in 51% of patients. Changes in appetite depended on gender, Body Mass Index (BMI) and psychometric evaluation scores. Increased appetite did not have specific FGIDs associations, while decreased appetite was associated with esophageal, gastro-duodenal, bowel and anorectal symptoms. The presence of depressive symptoms was also a predictor for the majority of FGIDs in decreased appetite, while anxiety trait was significant for globus and dysphagia.

CONCLUSION Decreased appetite was associated with FGIDs, especially in the presence of depressive symptoms. A reduced appetite would help to predict psychological disorders associated with FGIDs.

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