To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Obesity Raises Risk of GERD URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/22973E.htm Doctor's Guide August 20, 2008
BETHESDA, Md -- August 20, 2008 -- Several scientific studies in the August issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology examine the association between obesity and the risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Frank K. Friedenberg, MD, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and colleagues provide an extensive overview of scientific research on the epidemiologic and pathophysiologic associations between obesity and GERD. Several studies featured in the article highlight the correlation between increasing body mass index and the frequency and severity of acid reflux symptoms. One particular study found that accumulation of abdominal fat, as measured by the waist-to-hip ratio, may be the most important risk factor for the development of acid reflux and related complications such as Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma. The authors also examined data on the effects of weight loss through diet or surgical methods on acid reflux disease. Several studies suggest weight loss through caloric restriction was beneficial in reducing GERD symptoms. When the authors compared the different surgical approaches for weight loss, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass appeared to be the best method and was most consistently associated with improvement in the symptoms and findings of GERD. "The mechanism of action through which this surgery is successful at improving GERD may be independent of weight loss and needs further examination," said Dr. Friedenberg. SOURCE: American College of Gastroenterology --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.