GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX IN OBESE PATIENTS IS NOT REDUCED BY WEIGHT-REDUCTION

Background: The present study tested the hypothesis that weight reduct ion improves the subjective and objective manifestations of gastroesop hageal reflux. Methods: Twenty obese patients with gastroesophageal re flux as shown by 24-h pH measurement and with symptoms requiring daily medication were studied. The patients were randomized into a group (A ) treated with very low-caloric diet (VLCD) and a control group (B). O bjective measurements were repeated after 6 months. Group B was then t reated with VLCD and reexamined. Results: Patients in group A lost 10. 8 +/- 1.4 kg whereas group B gained 0.6 +/- 0.7 kg (P < 0.001). There was no reduction in reflux according to pH measurement. Furthermore, t here were no significant changes in reflux symptoms. After VLCD treatm ent, group B lost 9.7 +/- 1.6 kg, but reflux indicators remained uncha nged. All patients except one in group B remained dependent on daily a nti-reflux medication. Conclusion: Weight reduction does not improve t he subjective or objective manifestations of reflux.