Researchers found that patients with BE did not report a higher BMI than normal controls five years prior to the interview date or at age 21, showing no link between higher BMI and BE. There was also no correlation established between smoking and BE. Conversely, patients with esophageal cancer were more likely than controls to report a higher BMI five years prior to the study interview date. In addition, patients with EAC were twice as likely to have been ex-smokers and four times as likely to be current smokers when compared to the normal control group.

"Although there is not an established link among smoking, BMI and Barrett's esophagus, patients suffering from BE should avoid a high BMI and smoking to prevent the development of esophageal cancer," said Liam Murray, M.D., of Queen's Belfast University, and a senior author of the study. "However, all patients should consider maintaining a healthy weight and smoking cessation to reduce their risk of developing esophageal cancer and other major GI tract disorders."

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16-May-2005