Gastroesophageal reflux in obese patients is not reduced by weight reduction.
BACKGROUND
The present study tested the hypothesis that weight reduction improves the subjective and objective manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux.


METHODS
Twenty obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux as shown by 24-h pH measurement and with symptoms requiring daily medication were studied. The patients were randomized into a group (A) treated with very low-caloric diet (VLCD) and a control group (B). Objective measurements were repeated after 6 months. Group B was then treated with VLCD and reexamined.


RESULTS
Patients in group A lost 10.8 +/- 1.4 kg whereas group B gained 0.6 +/- 0.7 kg (P < 0.001). There was no reduction in reflux according to pH measurement. Furthermore, there were no significant changes in reflux symptoms. After VLCD treatment, group B lost 9.7 +/- 1.6 kg, but reflux indicators remained unchanged. All patients except one in group B remained dependent on daily anti-reflux medication.


CONCLUSIONS
Weight reduction does not improve the subjective or objective manifestations of reflux.
Kjellin
A
A
Dept. of Surgery, Ersta Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Ramel
S
S
Rössner
S
S
Thor
K
K
D015992:Body Mass Index; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000178:diet therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D015431:Weight Loss