Patient-Friendly Explanation

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes frequent heartburn and acid reflux. Being overweight increases pressure on your stomach, pushing acid up into the oesophagus and making GERD more likely and more severe.

Clinical Definition

Obesity increases intra-abdominal pressure and relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter, promoting gastroesophageal reflux. Weight loss is a first-line treatment for reducing GERD symptoms, with studies showing significant improvement after even modest weight reduction.

Why It Matters

Managing weight can significantly reduce or eliminate GERD symptoms, reducing the need for long-term acid-suppressing medications and improving quality of life.