The Relationship between Obesity and Reflux Esophagitis in Helth Check-up Subjects

Cho, Soo Hyun; Kim, Chan Woong

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Obesity has been known as a risk factor for reflux esophagitis and its prevalence has increased with increasing obese population. This study was carried out to find any association between reflux esophagitis and obesity.
METHODS
From March 2006 to December 2006, medical records of 3,354 people who underwent public corporation medical exam at a health clinic in a hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Reflux esophagitis was defined as more severe than A class of LA endoscopic classification. And BMI was considered as the parameter of obesity.
RESULTS
The prevalence of reflux esophagitis was 9.2% (307 patients). The prevalence was higher among males 15.9% (208 person) compared to females 4.8% (99 patients). Obesity (P = 0.040), gender (P < 0.001), and alcohol (P = 0.025) were significant risk factors. The OR of male was 2.80 (95% CI, 1.998~3.944), OR of second level obesity (BMI > or = 30) was 1.96 (95% CI, 1.048~3.681) and OR of 3~4 alcohol drinks / wk was 1.64 (95% CI, 1.073~2.470). In order of sequence, sex, BMI, and alcohol were proven to be significant risk factors according to multiple regression analysis.
CONCLUSION
Along with obestiy, increased endoscopic procedure and expansion of western lifestyle are contributing to the rising prevalence of reflux esophagitis. In order to prevent reflux esophagitis it would be cost effective to control obesity.