Objective:

The aim of the study was to determine the correlation between body mass index and reflux symptoms, and also to investigate the effect of obesity on gastroesophageal reflux disease and its treatment.

Material and Methods:

Group 1 was comprised of 19 patients (9 female) of normal weight and having a body mass index of 24 kg/m2. Group 2 was comprised of 32 preobese patients (26 female) having a body mass index of 24-30 kg/m2 and Group 3 was comprised of 23 obese patients (12 female) having a body mass index of 30 kg/m2. Those who were observed as having gastroesephageal reflux symptoms were treated with a combination of proton pump inhibitors, motility regulators and H2 receptor blocking drugs for one month.

Results:

In the investigation it was understood that in the case of an increase in body mass index, cough and regurgitation problems increase (r=0.102, p0.01 and r=0.114, p0.01, respectively). Incidence of gastroesephageal reflux in Group 3 (91%) was significantly higher than in Group 1 (42%, r=0.114, p0.01), and though not significant still higher in Group 2 (69%, r=0.248, p0.06). The successful treatment of patients in Group 1 was significantly higher than in comparison with the other two groups. In comparison with other patients, within one month period a significant reduction was observed in symptoms of 6 patients (4 patients in Group 2 and 3 patients in Group 3) who lost 3-5 kg.

Conclusion:

Prevalence of gastroesefageal reflux disease was found to be higher in obese persons and the incidence and severity of symptoms was found to increase depending on body mass index. It was concluded that obese persons who lost weight exhibited fewer symptoms.

Keywords: gastroesophageal reflux, obesity, reflux disease, esophagitis