Weight loss can lead to resolution of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms: A prospective intervention trial

• Published in: Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) Vol. 21; no. 2; pp. 284 - 290
• Main Authors: Singh, Mandeep, Lee, Jaehoon, Gupta, Neil, Gaddam, Srinivas, Smith, Bryan K., Wani, Sachin B., Sullivan, Debra K., Rastogi, Amit, Bansal, Ajay, Donnelly, Joseph E., Sharma, Prateek
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.02.2013; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Body Mass Index; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gastroesophageal reflux; Gastroesophageal Reflux - complications; Gastroesophageal Reflux - epidemiology; Gastroesophageal Reflux - therapy; Humans; Life Style; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Activity; Obesity; Obesity - complications; Obesity - physiopathology; Overweight - complications; Overweight - physiopathology; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Weight control; Weight Loss; Womens health; Young Adult; United States > US
• ISSN: 1930-7381; 1930-739X; 1930-739X
• DOI: 10.1002/oby.20279

Objective:Weight gain is an important risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, whether weight loss can lead to resolution of GERD symptoms is not clear. Our aim was to measure the impact of weight loss on GERD symptoms. Design and Methods:In a prospective cohort study at a tertiary referral center, overweight/obese subjects (BMI 25‐39.9 kg/m2) were enrolled in a structured weight loss program. Weight loss strategies included dietary modifications, increased physical activity and behavioral changes. At baseline and at 6 months, BMI and waist circumference were measured and all participants completed a validated reflux disease questionnaire. Results: A total of 332 adult subjects, mean age 46 years and 66% women were prospectively enrolled. At baseline, the mean body weight, BMI, and waist circumference were 101 (±18) kg, 35 (±5) kg/m2 and 103 (±13) cm. At 6 months, majority of the subjects (97%) lost weight (average weight loss: 13 ± 7.7 kg) and as compared with baseline, there was a significant decrease in the overall prevalence of GERD (15 vs. 37%; P < 0.01) and the mean GERD symptom score (1.8 vs. 5.5; P < 0.01). Overall, 81% of the subjects had reduction in GERD symptom scores; 65% had complete resolution and 15% had partial resolution of reflux symptoms. There was a significant correlation between % body weight loss and reduction in GERD symptom scores (r = 0.17, P < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, the overall prevalence of GERD symptoms is high (37%) in overweight and obese subjects. A structured weight loss program can lead to complete resolution of GERD symptoms in the majority of these subjects.