Obesity Doubles GERD Risk: Meta-Analysis of 57,000 Patients
Does Obesity Really Increase Your Risk of GERD?
Yes, obesity significantly increases the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease, with this meta-analysis of over 57,000 patients showing that obese individuals have nearly double the risk of developing GERD compared to normal-weight people. The relationship shows a clear dose-response pattern, meaning higher BMI levels correlate with progressively greater GERD risk and more severe complications.
Dr. Kumar’s Take
This meta-analysis provides compelling evidence for what we see clinically every day - obesity is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for GERD. The dose-response relationship is particularly important because it means even modest weight loss can provide meaningful symptom improvement. For patients struggling with GERD, addressing weight should be a primary focus alongside other treatments, as it’s one of the few interventions that can actually modify the underlying disease process rather than just managing symptoms.