Reduced gastroesophageal reflux symptoms after weight loss in a large prospective population-based cohort study. The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (the HUNT study)

INTRODUCTION High body mass index (BMI) is an established risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS). However, it is not clear if weight loss reduces GERS. AIMS & METHODS The aim was to clarify the effect of weight loss on GERS in a large prospective population-based cohort study. The study was part of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) conducted in Nord-Trøndelag County, Norway. All adult residents of the county were invited. In HUNT 2 (1995-1997) and HUNT 3 (2006-2009), 58869 (63%) and 44997 persons (48%) responded to a GERS questionnaire, respectively. Among these, a cohort of 29610 persons was prospectively followed from HUNT 2 through HUNT 3. RESULTS Among the 9299 persons with any GERS (minor or severe GERS) in HUNT 2, 2398 persons (26%) had no GERS in HUNT 3. Among the 1553 persons with severe GERS in HUNT 2, 1013 (65%) had no or minor GERS in HUNT 3. GERS was dose-dependently reduced by weight loss, except among those with severe GERS not using antireflux medication at least weekly. The effect of weight loss and antireflux medication seemed to be synergistic. All analyses were adjusted for sex, age, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, education, and physical exercise. CONCLUSION Weight loss reduced GERS dose-dependently in the general population. The effect of weight loss and antireflux medication seemed to be synergistic.