title: Weight loss can lead to resolution of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms: a prospective intervention trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Weight gain is an important risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, whether weight loss can lead to resolution of GERD symptoms is not clear. Our aim was to measure the impact of weight loss on GERD symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a prospective cohort study at a tertiary referral center, overweight/obese subjects (BMI 25-39.9 kg/m2) were enrolled in a structured weight loss program. Weight loss strategies included dietary modifications, increased physical activity and behavioral changes. At baseline and at 6 months, BMI and waist circumference were measured and all participants completed a validated reflux disease questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 332 adult subjects, mean age 46 years and 66% women were prospectively enrolled. At baseline, the mean body weight, BMI, and waist circumference were 101 (±18) kg, 35 (±5) kg/m2 and 103 (±13) cm. At 6 months, majority of the subjects (97%) lost weight (average weight loss: 13 ± 7.7 kg) and as compared with baseline, there was a significant decrease in the overall prevalence of GERD (15 vs. 37%; P < 0.01) and the mean GERD symptom score (1.8 vs. 5.5; P < 0.01). Overall, 81% of the subjects had reduction in GERD symptom scores; 65% had complete resolution and 15% had partial resolution of reflux symptoms. There was a significant correlation between % body weight loss and reduction in GERD symptom scores (r = 0.17, P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion, the overall prevalence of GERD symptoms is high (37%) in overweight and obese subjects. A structured weight loss program can lead to complete resolution of GERD symptoms in the majority of these subjects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
authors.forename: Mandeep
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Jaehoon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Srinivas
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gaddam
authors.forename: Bryan K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Sachin B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Wani
authors.forename: Debra K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.forename: Amit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rastogi
authors.forename: Ajay
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bansal
authors.forename: Joseph E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Donnelly
authors.forename: Prateek
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sharma
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D050177:Overweight / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss; D055815:Young Adult