[Gastroesophageal reflux disease in obesity]

Obesity is currently one of the top health problems worldwide. Its prevalence is markedly increasing in developed countries, but it is becoming a problem even in developing countries. In fact, the epidemic magnitude of obesity leads the WHO to coin the term globesity. Obesity is commonly associated with other diseases, like diabetes (diabesity) and other metabolic disorders. However, many organs and systems are affected, including the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is associated with obesity, as many studies showed. Several factors are involved in this association; among them, the onset of GERD has been related to weight gain, placing obesity in a critical point at the beginning of the natural history of GERD.