OBJECTIVES: High body mass index (BMI) is an established risk factor of
gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS). The aim of this study was to clarify if
weight loss reduces GERS.
METHODS: The study was part of the Nord-Trondelag
health study (the HUNT study), a prospective population-based cohort study
conducted in Nord-Trondelag County, Norway. All residents of the county from 20
years of age were invited. In 1995-1997 (HUNT 2) and 2006-2009 (HUNT 3), 58,869
and 44,997 individuals, respectively, responded to a questionnaire on heartburn
and acid regurgitation. Among these, 29,610 individuals (61% response rate)
participated at both times and were included in the present study. The
association between weight loss and reduction of GERS was calculated using
logistic regression. The analyses were stratified by antireflux medication and
the results adjusted for sex, age, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption,
education, and physical exercise.
RESULTS: Weight loss was dose-dependently
associated with a reduction of GERS and an increased treatment success with
antireflux medication. Among individuals with >3.5 units decrease in BMI, the
adjusted odds ratio (OR) of loss of any (minor or severe) GERS was 1.98 (95%
confidence interval (CI) 1.45-2.72) when using no or less than weekly antireflux
medication, and 3.95 (95% CI 2.03-7.65) when using at least weekly antireflux
medication. The corresponding ORs of loss of severe GERS was 0.90 (95% CI
0.32-2.55) and 3.11 (95% CI 1.13-8.58).
CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss was
dose-dependently associated with both a reduction of GERS and an increased
treatment success with antireflux medication in the general population.Swedish Research CouncilLiaison Committee between the Central Norway Regional Health Authority and the Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyAccepte
