Exploring Maladaptive Eating Behaviors and Quality of Life in Those with Bowel Diseases

Background: Young adults with bowel conditions-such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases-often experience poor quality of life, which may be influenced by their disease management, including eating behaviors. This study aimed to explore maladaptive eating behaviors and quality of life among young adults diagnosed with bowel conditions (IBS, Crohn's, and Ulcerative Colitis), stratified by gender. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey assessing Quality of Life (QOL) and maladaptive eating behaviors (EDE-Q, TFEQ-18) was conducted in 73 young adults with bowel conditions (70% women; mean age 25.16 ± 2.94 years) in 2022/2023. Results: Participants reported an average of 10.72 ± 7.46 SD physically or mentally unhealthy days in the past month, indicating poor perceived health status. Mean EDE-Q global scores were higher than published normative data for healthy young adults (men: 2.49 ± 1.26 SD vs. 0.95 ± 0.98 SD; women: 2.30 ± 1.12 SD vs. 1.65 ± 1.30 SD). Mann-Whitney U tests revealed no significant gender differences in QOL or EDE-Q scores. However, men (n = 22) reported self-induced vomiting (68.18% vs. 29.41%) and medicine misuse (63.64% vs. 37.25%) ≥ 4 times in the past month at a higher proportion than women (n = 51). After controlling for age at diagnosis, the Global EDE-Q score was positively associated with QOL Global score (r_partial = 0.534, p < 0.001) and with the number of unhealthy days reported in the past month (r_partial = 0.452, p < 0.001) indicating a relationship of moderate strength. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential value of incorporating routine screening for eating disorder risk into the medical treatment of young adults with bowel conditions.