Obesity correlates with gastroesophageal reflux

Thirty morbidly obese patients presenting for bariatric surgery were evalua ted for symptomatic and objective evidence of gastroesophageal reflux. Sixt een patients had heartburn while 14 were asymptomatic. All underwent esopha geal function testing; manometry was performed in all patients, pH monitori ng in 28, Patients with esophageal pH < 4 for more than 5% of observed time weighed more than those with normal acid exposure, 165.2 vs 129.8 kg (P < 0.01), and had significantly higher body mass indices, 56.5 vs 48.3 kg/m(2) (P < 0.05). Similarly, morbidly obese patients with abnormal reflux scores weighed significantly more and had greater body mass indices than patients with normal scores (P < 0.05). Lower esophageal sphincter pressure was hig her in patients. with normal esophageal acid exposure than in those with ab normal findings, 15.5 vs 12.5 mm Hg (P < 0.05). This study demonstrates a c orrelation between both weight and body mass index with gastroesophageal re flux.