The Body-Mass-Index (BMI) has no impact on the frequency of typical reflux symptoms -- results of a nationwide telephone-based informing campaign in Germany

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The effects of obesity on the gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are controversial. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the BMI and the frequency of reflux symptoms in a population with typical GERD symptoms. METHODS: Based upon a nationwide informing campaign up to 5,000 subjects contacted the informing calling center. Subjects were included if they had heartburn and acid regurgitation. Age, gender, height, weight and the frequency of reflux symptoms were assessed by telephone interviewing. RESULTS: 1,296 subjects (668 female) with mean age of 54 +/- 14 years and a mean BMI of 26 +/- 4 were included in the study. 41.2% of the subjects had a BMI up to 25, 41.4 % between 25 to 30, and 13 % greater than 30. 74.5 % of all subjects reported reflux episodes daily and several times a week. 74.6 % of the subjects had reflux symptoms for more than one year. Both the frequency and pattern of reflux symptoms did not differ significantly in the three BMI-classes (p > 0.05, table). CONCLUSION: In the present population with typical and frequent GERD symptoms the BMI showed no impact on the frequency of reflux symptoms. A high BMI does not appear to be a risk indicator for GERD. Interventional studies are needed to assess whether a high BMI is also no risk factor for GERD.