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The Pathophysiological Mechanisms of GERD in the Obese Patient

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Abstract

Obesity has increased dramatically in the last 30 years, affecting 33% of the adult population in the United States. Increase in body mass index has been shown to be associated with the increase in the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, esophageal mucosal injury, and GERD complications. The putative mechanisms responsible for the close relationship between GERD and increased body mass index include increased intragastric pressure, increased gastroesophageal pressure gradient, esophageal motor and sensory abnormalities, increase in prevalence of hiatal hernia, increase in serum female hormonal levels, diet, and increase in comorbidities. Whilst the current efforts are to focus on one major underlying mechanism, it is highly likely that multiple factors contribute to the increased prevalence of GERD in the obese patient.

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Acknowledgments

Dr. Fass receives research support from AstraZeneca, Wyeth, TAP, and Ocera; he is a speaker for AstraZeneca and a consultant for TAP, Eisai, AstraZeneca, Vecta, Santaurus, Xenoport, and Dynnogen. The scientific roundtable was funded by Eisai Inc. and PriCara, a Unit of Ortho-McNeil, Inc. International Meetings and Science Inc. organized the roundtable and provided editorial support.

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  1. Neuroenteric Clinical Research Group, Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, GI Section (1-111G-1), University of Arizona School of Medicine, 3601 S. 6th Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85723-0001, USA

    Ronnie Fass

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Correspondence to Ronnie Fass.

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Fass, R. The Pathophysiological Mechanisms of GERD in the Obese Patient. Dig Dis Sci 53, 2300–2306 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-008-0411-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-008-0411-y

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