Peptic Ulcer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Peptic Ulcer, including details on helicobacter pylori, diet, symptoms, treatment.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and obesity.

Shah A, Uribe J, Katz PO

Division of Gastroenterology, Albert Einstein Medical Center, 5401 Old York Road, Klein Professional Building, Suite 363, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA.

Logic would suggest that obesity would be a strong risk factor for causing GERD and certainly for exacerbation of GERD. Though the balance of the epidemiologic data support a relationship, true cause and effect cannot be documented. Thus, making the recommendation to lose weight to the GERD patient who is obese is reasonable. Other health reasons, however, supersede GERD as the primary impetus to lose weight.

Published 12 April 2005 in Gastroenterol Clin North Am, 34(1): 35-43.
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