The effect of Fe+2 oral iron preparations used in the treatment of iron deficiency on weight gain and appetite increase in adults: A prospective study

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common type of anemia in the world. It is an important public health problem as it can affect all segments of society regardless of age and gender. Iron deficiency anemia, with or without anemia, should be treated regardless of symptoms. Because there is a risk of progression of distant organ damage/ischemia and anemia unless the underlying cause is found and iron stores are not filled. Factors such as patient incompatibility, diet, concomitant medications, not using drugs at the right time and conditions, and incomplete treatment period adversely affect the treatment process of iron deficiency anemia. A significant proportion of patients complained of weight gain during and after oral iron replacement therapy for iron deficiency anemia. The majority of patients are hesitant to use oral iron preparations with complaints of increased appetite and weight gain. This prevents them from being treated. Therefore, in this study, we planned to evaluate the effects of oral Fe+2 iron preparations used in the treatment of iron deficiency in adults on weight, body mass index, body composition, metabolic parameters and appetite parameters. A total of 119 patients aged between 18-45 years who applied to Hacettepe Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic, who were known to have started Fe+2 iron preparation due to iron deficiency in the last 1 month and who agreed to participate in the study, were included in the study. Exclusion criteria (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Beck Depression Scale) and data form prepared to obtain descriptive data (questions about sociodemographic data, questions about nutrition, questions about general health status, Visual Analog Scale, Nutrient Power Scale, Three-Factor Nutrition Questionnaire) were given to the participants and anthropometric measurements and some blood tests were performed. According to the measurements made after iron treatment of the patients followed for 3 months, it was determined that there was a decrease in their appetite and body weight, BMI, fat mass percentages, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/hip ratio. Our findings were discussed with the support of the literature, and they shed light on clinicians in terms of evaluating the effects of oral iron preparations on appetite and weight gain. Our findings should be confirmed by studies on different cultures using extended samples and with similar methods, taking into account the limitations of our study.