Gaining Weight Increases Risk for Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms

Each 1-unit increase in body-mass index corresponded to a 30% higher risk for symptoms.

Overweight or obese body habitus increases the risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Risk factors for new-onset gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS) are less well established. To investigate these risk factors, researchers evaluated longitudinal data from 29,610 participants of a population-based cohort study in Norway. In baseline (1995–1997) and follow-up (2006–2009) surveys, participants reported the degree of heartburn or regurgitation experienced during the preceding 12 months, weight, height, and other covariates. The World Health Organization classification system was used to determine body-mass index (BMI; kg/m²) as normal (<25.0), pre-obese (25.0–29.9), or obese (>30.0). Researchers compared characteristics of 510 pat…

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

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

Gaining Weight Increases Risk for Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms

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Reviewing Author