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Does My Weight Affect My Acid Reflux?

Reflux is associated with increased weight or obesity for a number of reasons.

Extra abdominal weight creates more pressure on the stomach. In turn, this can lead to stomach contents and acid being forced up through the LES and can expose the esophagus to reflux symptoms. Some obese people tend to have poor eating habits that may include fast food or other high-calorie foods that promote acid reflux. Further, they may eat larger meals or snack prior to bed. Because many diseases are associated with being overweight, there is a tendency for obese people to take more medications, which can adversely impact reflux.

Given that multiple factors are at play in exacerbating reflux in those who are overweight, multiple issues can be acted on. Interestingly, only small changes in weight or minor modifications in eating habits can provide great benefits for reducing acid reflux.

Weight plays a major role in many aspects of your health and well-being. Being overweight can increase your chance of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes, certain cancers, and acid reflux. acid reflux has a higher association with those who are overweight as defined by an elevated body mass index.

Body mass index (BMI) is a standardized measure of weight for height. You can easily determine your BMI by using our BMI calculator. A BMI in the range of 18 to 25 is generally considered to be normal weight for height. A BMI of 25 to 30 is overweight, and a BMI greater than 30 is classified as obese. The BMI correlates to increasing risks of complications of obesity as the number increases.

By Mortin - Copyright 2009
Last modification 31/12/2009

Does My Weight Affect My Acid Reflux? - References