ORLANDO (November 1, 2004)--Symptoms of heartburn and GERD are highly prevalent among obese patients according to research presented at the 69th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology. In a separate study that examined obesity as a risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma researchers found an association between body mass index (BMI) and risk of cancer of the esophagus.

GERD & Heartburn: Highly Prevalent in Morbidly Obese Patients
Dr. Mary Thomas of University Hospital at Stony Brook examined a consecutive series of 56 morbidly obese patients for the prevalence of GERD symptoms, acid reflux, and esophagitis. Her study compared the symptoms experienced by morbidly obese patients with those reported by the population of Olmsted City, MN. Additionally, some of the obese patients underwent ambulatory esophageal pH testing, and findings were compared with data from asymptomatic volunteers.

Overall, heartburn and or acid regurgitation were found among 75 percent of the morbidly obese patients, while 23 percent experienced difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and 34 percent experienced asthma symptoms. These symptoms of GERD were more prevalent among the obese patients than in the general population. Similarly, measures of acid reflux from the esophageal pH monitoring found higher prevalence (64 percent) of reflux among obese patients than among asymptomatic volunteers (30 percent). These findings suggest a higher prevalence of GERD symptoms among obese patients than has been reported.

Increasing BMI Associated with Increasing Risk of Esophageal Cancer
Heiko Pohl, M.D. and Douglas Robertson, M.D. of the VA Medical Center in White River Junction, VT performed a systematic review of all case-control or controlled cohort studies that examined risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma across multiple categories of body mass index. Among nine studies between 1996 and 2004 involving a total
'"/>

Contact: Malaika Hilliard
mhilliard@porternovelli.com
202-973-5896
American College of Gastroenterology
1-Nov-2004

Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. Studies underscore genetic involvement in nicotine addiction & aggressive hostility
2. Studies address issues of risk and survival in rapidly increasing GI cancers
3. Studies examine coffee drinking and risk of liver and colorectal cancers
4. Studies reveal physicians attitudes on end-of-life care
5. Studies from the November issue of The Archives of Dermatology, a theme issue on facial rejuvenation
6. Studies demonstrate positive data in treatment of hepatitis C
7. Studies examine risk factors and potential consequences associated with prehypertension
8. Studies show ACTOS(R) (pioglitazone HCl) has positive effects on various components of dyslipidemia
9. Studies identify risk factors for colon cancer
10. Studies indicate healthy eating may affect cancer development, improve digestive system
11. Studies compare hysterectomy vs. other medical treatments for abnormal uterine bleeding