Obesity, Abdominal Diameter, and GERD

At least in white patients, the amount of visceral adipose tissue is related to the severity of GERD symptoms.

Much evidence exists to support an association between obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; e.g., Journal Watch Gastroenterology Jun 13 2006). The pathophysiology of this association is an increase in the intragastric pressure as well as increased spatial separation between the esophagogastric junction component attributed to the lower esophageal sphincter and that attributed to the crural diaphragm (Journal Watch Gastroenterology Apr 25 2006) in overweight people. To date, research on this association has focused on correlation of GERD with body-mass index (BMI), defined as overweight (BMI, 25–25.9 kg/m²) or obese (BMI, ≥30); however, waist circumference or abdominal diameter might be a better indicator.

The first study was a …

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors