Increasing BMI Is Associated with Classic and Atypical GERD Symptoms: 1060

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and symptoms of GERD, both classic and the less recognized potential symptoms such as cough. Methods: A sample of US adults participated in a web survey assessing weight, height, and the GERD Symptom & Medication Questionnaire (GERD-SMQ), a validated screening tool. Frequency of classic and atypical GERD symptoms (AG-Sx) were determined during the previous 3 months. Respondents were classified into the following weight categories: low/normal (BMI <25), overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9), and obese (BMI ≥30). The chi square procedure compared differences in proportions of respondents with frequent symptoms (2 or more days/nights per week) by BMI category. Results: A total of 2805 of 18213 invited to participate responded to the survey. 2360 satisfied the study criteria and were included in this analysis (Mean age = 46 years; 55% female). Approximately 33% (n = 779) were low/normal weight, 32% (n = 775) overweight, and 35% (n = 831) obese. Results supported an association between increasing BMI and occurrence of both classic and AG-Sx. A significantly greater proportion of overweight and obese persons reported classic and AG-Sx compared to persons in the low to normal range of BMI. Increased BMI was significantly associated with heartburn, acid regurgitation, and particularly with AG-Sx such as coughing, snoring, and throat clearing. Conclusions: In a large general adult population, not only were classic symptoms of GERD associated with increasing BMI, but some AG-Sx were as well. GERD may represent a common and underappreciated consequence of obesity that can present with classic symptoms, and may also have atypical manifestations.Table: GERD symptoms by BMI.