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The Association Between Obesity and GERD: A Review of the Epidemiological Evidence

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Abstract

The current epidemics of obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-related disorders have generated much interest in studying the association between them. Results of multiple studies indicate that obesity satisfies several criteria for a causal association with GERD and some of its complications, including a generally consistent association with GERD symptoms, erosive esophagitis, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. An increase in GERD symptoms has been shown to occur in individuals who gain weight but continue to have a body mass index (BMI) in the normal range, contributing to the epidemiological evidence for a possible dose–response relationship between BMI and increasing GERD. Data are less clear on the relationship between Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and obesity. However, when considered separately, abdominal obesity seems to explain a considerable part of the association with GERD, including BE. Overall, epidemiological data show that maintaining a normal BMI may reduce the likelihood of developing GERD and its potential complications.

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Acknowledgment

Dr. El-Serag has served as a consultant for TAP Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Eisai, and Novartis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Sections of Gastroenterology and Health Services Research, The Houston Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Hashem El-Serag

  2. The Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center (152), 2002 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Hashem El-Serag

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  1. Hashem El-Serag
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Correspondence to Hashem El-Serag.

Additional information

The scientific roundtable was funded by Eisai Inc. and PriCara, a Unit of Ortho-McNeil, Inc. International Meetings and Science Inc. organized the roundtable and provided editorial support.

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El-Serag, H. The Association Between Obesity and GERD: A Review of the Epidemiological Evidence. Dig Dis Sci 53, 2307–2312 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-008-0413-9

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