Obesity Patterns and Risk for Barrett Esophagus

Abdominal obesity was positively associated with BE risk whereas gluteofemoral obesity was inversely associated but only among men.

Abdominal obesity has been independently associated with increased risks for Barrett esophagus (BE) and related esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), even after accounting for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Gluteofemoral obesity (increased subcutaneous fat in hip and thigh) has been associated with a protective effect against diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease but has not been evaluated with regard to BE risk.

In a pooled analysis of data from eight case-control studies comprising 1559 patients with BE, 2557 population-based controls, and 2064 control patients with GERD, researchers evaluated the associations between hip circumference and waist circumference and risk for BE, adjusting for other variable risks.

Waist circumferenc…

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