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High body mass index is an established risk factor of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Dr Eivind Ness-Jensen from Levanger, Norway clarified if weight loss reduces gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. The study was part of the Nord-Trøndelag health study, a prospective population-based cohort study conducted in Nord-Trøndelag County, Norway. All residents of the county from 20 years of age were invited. The research team found that in 1995–1997 and 2006–2009, 58,869 and 44,997 individuals, respectively, responded to a questionnaire on heartburn and acid regurgitation. Among these, 29,610 individuals participated at both times and were included in the present study. The doctors noted that the association between weight loss and reduction of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms was calculated using logistic regression.  | | Weight loss was dose-dependently associated with a reduction of symptoms | | Am J Gastroenterol |
The analyses were stratified by antireflux medication and the results adjusted for sex, age, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, education, and physical exercise. The research team examined that weight loss was dose-dependently associated with a reduction of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and an increased treatment success with antireflux medication. Among individuals with 3.5 units decrease in body mass index, the adjusted odds ratio of loss of any gastroesophageal reflux symptoms was 1.98 when using no or less than weekly antireflux medication, and 3.95 when using at least weekly antireflux medication. The corresponding odds ratio of loss of severe gastroesophageal reflux symptoms was 0.90 and 3.1. Dr Ness-Jensen's team concludes, "Weight loss was dose-dependently associated with both a reduction of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and an increased treatment success with antireflux medication in the general population."
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