Reducing abdominal fat to improve symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Response of Irritable Bowel Syndrome to Abdominal Fat Reduction

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT05879692

This study is testing if losing belly fat through a special diet and exercise can help people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT05879692 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of abdominal fat reduction on patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) who are centrally obese. Participants will undergo High Intensity Focused Ultrasound treatment, combined with a low-caloric and low-FODMAPs diet, as well as aerobic exercise. The goal is to determine if reducing abdominal fat can alleviate IBS symptoms, which are often linked to obesity. The study aims to fill a gap in existing research regarding the relationship between abdominal obesity and IBS.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are sedentary individuals aged 20-45 with a BMI between 30 and 39.9 kg/m² and diagnosed with mild to moderate IBS.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 20-45, athletes, or those with significant comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new non-invasive treatment option for patients suffering from IBS.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on this specific approach, existing studies suggest a potential link between obesity reduction and improvement in IBS symptoms.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients will be 20-45 years of age.
* Both genders will be participated.
* sedentary (exercise \< 2 times/week).
* Body mass index (BMI) will be ranged from 30 to 39.9 kg/m² and their waist circumference ≥ 102 cm for men and ≥ 88 cm for women.
* Patients will have the criteria of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) according to Rome IV Which are: recurrent abdominal pain on average at least one day per week during the previous three months associated with two or more of the following features must fulfill: (1) Pain is related to defecation; (2) Pain associated with a change in frequency of stool; and (3) Pain associated with a change in form or appearance of stool.
* mild to moderate Irritable Bowel Syndrome with score of 75- 300 according to the questionnaire of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS).

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Under 20 or above 45 years of age.

  * Athletics
  * Musculoskeletal, Carcinogenic, or kidney diseases, diabetes, hepatitis and cardiac disorders.
  * Any condition that may prevent the use of the focused ultrasound on the abdominal region such as scarring, hernias or skin diseases in the abdominal area.
  * Patients with severe Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or other known organic gastrointestinal disorders rather than IBS including: (1) Fever, Weight loss or Jaundice; (2) Change in the color of stool; (3) Signs of anemia or Thyroid disease; (4) Abdominal mass or Organomegaly; (5) Signs of intestinal obstruction.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Irritable Bowel SyndromeObesityAbdominal Obesityabdominal fatcentral obesityhigh intensity focused ultrasoundFODMAPs diet
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.