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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.
Conclusion:
Weight reduction does not improve the subjective or objective manifestations of reflux.