A Link Between BMI and GERD?

Does obesity increase the risk for BE beyond its role in increasing the risk for GERD alone?

Barrett esophagus is often a consequence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and is a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Obesity is causally associated with GERD and also has been linked to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Can one reasonably assume then that obesity is a risk factor for BE? Some studies support this hypothesis (Ann Intern Med 2005; 143:199), but others do not.

To determine whether obesity increases the risk for BE independent of its association with GERD, researchers performed a meta-analysis evaluating 10 studies in which current body-mass index (BMI) data were recorded for consecutively recruited patients with BE. In nine studies, BMIs were compared between patients with BE and patients with GERD but without BE; BMI was foun…

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