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Digestive Diseases and Sciences
Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences 9/2008

01-09-2008 | Original Article

The Pathophysiological Mechanisms of GERD in the Obese Patient

Author: Ronnie Fass

Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences | Issue 9/2008

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Abstract

Obesity has increased dramatically in the last 30 years, affecting 33% of the adult population in the United States. Increase in body mass index has been shown to be associated with the increase in the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, esophageal mucosal injury, and GERD complications. The putative mechanisms responsible for the close relationship between GERD and increased body mass index include increased intragastric pressure, increased gastroesophageal pressure gradient, esophageal motor and sensory abnormalities, increase in prevalence of hiatal hernia, increase in serum female hormonal levels, diet, and increase in comorbidities. Whilst the current efforts are to focus on one major underlying mechanism, it is highly likely that multiple factors contribute to the increased prevalence of GERD in the obese patient.
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Metadata
Title
The Pathophysiological Mechanisms of GERD in the Obese Patient
Author
Ronnie Fass
Publication date
01-09-2008
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Digestive Diseases and Sciences / Issue 9/2008
Print ISSN: 0163-2116
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2568
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-008-0411-y

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