Acid Reflux and Obesity

No one knows the reason, but there is a close relationship between
acid reflux and obesity. A recent and staggering statistic that was published by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) revealed that approximately 61% of the American population is obese or overweight.

That now puts 6 out of 10 U.S. Citizens at risk for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (commonly referred to as GERD) which is now nearing epidemic proportions. Acid reflux , is heartburn in the most severe form.
It is often accompanied by a variety of other symptoms and it is more challenging to treat than heartburn alone.

Statistics like the ones recently released from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) are very telling. Americans, who are prone to super-size everything, now have one more reason to re-think their diet and exercise regimen: acid reflux.

Although researchers are still unsure as to why acid reflux and obesity are linked, they are certain that a notable correlation does exist. If you are a sufferer and you think that your weight might be the culprit, a visit to your family physician may be in order.

Only he or she is qualified to make that diagnosis. The specific measure that is used to determine whether a person is “obese” or “overweight” as it is related to the symptoms of acid reflux is called a BMI, or body mass index, which is a calculation that is based on your weight and height.

BMI typically correlates with, but does not directly measure, body fat. The BMI is the measurement recommended by the CDC because it is inexpensive, readily available and easy to use for both the general public as well as doctors. It also allows you to gauge how your own body mass index compares to the vast majority of the country’s population.

If you would like to see where you rank, you can use the BMI calculator found www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/ You cannot depend on the kitchen scales to accurately measure your BMI, and there may be extenuating circumstances that you may not be taking into consideration, so it is essential that you consult a professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Once your healthcare provider calculates your BMI it is important to know that current studies have consistently revealed that the severity and frequency with which an individual experiences acid reflux symptoms is greater as their BMI increases. In other words, the heavier you are, the more you risk getting acid reflux.

That alone should be enough to motivate most sufferers to change their habits. Losing weight is not an easy thing to do. Nobody likes the word “diet” but if your acid reflux interferes with your life (with things like “heart-attack like” symptoms) you may be doing yourself a disservice by not exploring all of the non-medically related options that are available.

Prescription medications for acid reflux can be very expensive, especially if you are a cash paying patient. Although they are effective, they only mask the problem: your weight. Since acid reflux and obesity are obviously linked, the right diet and exercise plan may eventually eliminate the need for medication altogether by treating the underlying cause instead of the symptom.

Most physicians and health care professionals agree that there is an undeniable relationship between acid reflux and stress Since stress is an unavoidable part of life for most Americans, that may cause the condition to be a bit more difficult to keep under control at times.

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