Studies have shown an increased incidence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients; we aimed to assess the eligibility of IBS as a risk factor for MS.

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched on the 1st of January 2023. Only observational controlled studies were included. Analysis was conducted by RevMan software version 5.4.

IBS was associated with an increased incidence of MS (RR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.50 to 2.79, p-value >0.00001). A significant association was seen between IBS, abdominal obesity (RR = 1.28, p-value = 0.0003), and increased waist circumference (MD = 5.01, 95% CI = 1.29 to 8.72, p-value = 0.008). IBS patients didn't have an increased risk of diabetes (RR= 1.29, 95% CI = 0.85 to 1.98, p-value = 0.23), however, they had increased HOMA- IR (MD = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.15 to 0.26, p-value < 0.00001). Analysis of blood pressure revealed an association between systolic not diastolic hypertension and IBS (MD = -0.50, 95% CI = -0.60 to -0.40, p-value >0.00001). Higher levels of LDL cholesterol (MD = 5.98, 95% CI = 0.91 to 11.05, p-value = 0.02), total cholesterol (MD = 12.21, 95% CI = 6.23 to 18.18, p-value >0.0001), and triglyceride (MD = 11.93, 95% CI = 11.55 to 12.31, p-value >0.00001) were detected among IBS patients.

IBS patients are at increased risk for MS and its components. Accordingly, patients should be screened for MS, and preventive programs should be implemented.