Metabolic Disorders and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Unraveling Shared Pathways and Clinical Interactions
Fousekis F, Lamprou A, Saridi M, Mastorogianni IN, Mpakogiannis K, Lianos GD, Katsanos KH (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article, Review article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
Book Volume: 16
Article Number: 181
Journal Issue: 3
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and metabolic disorders are increasingly recognized as interconnected conditions that frequently coexist and influence each other’s clinical course. Accumulating evidence indicates that patients with IBD face a substantial burden of obesity, metabolic syndrome, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes. These associations appear to be driven by shared and interacting mechanisms, including intestinal barrier disruption, gut microbiota dysbiosis, chronic systemic inflammation, and adipose tissue-mediated immunometabolic pathways. Metabolic comorbidities may worsen IBD activity, reduce response to therapy, increase complications, and contribute to higher health care utilization. Conversely, intestinal inflammation and commonly used treatments, particularly corticosteroids, can adversely affect glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, body composition and bone homeostasis. Advanced therapies have demonstrated variable metabolic effects, some of which may be beneficial through suppression of systemic inflammation. Recognition of these bidirectional interactions highlights the importance of routine metabolic screening and integrated, multidisciplinary management. Lifestyle interventions, nutritional optimization and individualized therapeutic strategies represent central parts of comprehensive management.
Involved external institutions
University Hospital of Ioannina / Panepistēmiakó Nosokomeío Iōannínōn / Πανεπιστημιακό Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Ιωαννίνων
Greece (GR)
University of Thessaly / Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλίας
Greece (GR)
Greece (GR)
University of Thessaly / Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλίας
Greece (GR)
How to cite
APA:
Fousekis, F., Lamprou, A., Saridi, M., Mastorogianni, I.N., Mpakogiannis, K., Lianos, G.D., & Katsanos, K.H. (2026). Metabolic Disorders and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Unraveling Shared Pathways and Clinical Interactions. Metabolites, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16030181
MLA:
Fousekis, Fotios, et al. "Metabolic Disorders and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Unraveling Shared Pathways and Clinical Interactions." Metabolites 16.3 (2026).
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