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Review
. 2008 Sep;53(9):2307-12.
doi: 10.1007/s10620-008-0413-9. Epub 2008 Jul 24.

The association between obesity and GERD: a review of the epidemiological evidence

Hashem El-Serag  1
Affiliations
Review

The association between obesity and GERD: a review of the epidemiological evidence

Hashem El-Serag. Dig Dis Sci. 2008 Sep.

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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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Data from a meta-analysis shows the adjusted odds ratios from cross-sectional and case-control studies examining the association between overweight or obesity (body mass index≥25 kg/m2) and erosive esophagitis. There is a significant overall risk association with increased BMI and erosive esophagitis. (Hampel et al, Ann Intern Med 2005)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Data from a meta-analysis shows the adjusted odds ratios from case-control studies examining the association between overweight (body mass index≥25 kg/m2) and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus (top) and the association between obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m2) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (bottom). There is a consistent and significant association between overweight/obesity and esophageal adenocarcinoma. (Hampel et al, Ann Intern Med 2005)
Figure 3
Figure 3
The dose-response association between abdominal diameter and the risk of GERD symptoms. Increased abdominal diameter (adjusted for BMI) was a consistent independent risk factor for GER-symptoms in whites. (modified from Corely et al, Gut 2007)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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