Abstract
Background and Aims: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with esophagitis and esophageal adenocarcinoma in adults and may consist from childhood. Childhood obesity may increase risk for GERD. Therefore, we investigated whether moderate and extreme obesity is related to a higher odd for GERD in children of different age groups.
Methods: For this population-based, cross-sectional study, diagnosis of GERD, and measured weight and height were extracted from electronic medical records of 690,321 children aged 2–19 years who were enrolled in an integrated prepaid health plan between 2007/2008. Percentile of body mass index [BMI]-for-age was calculated according to the sex-specific 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts to assign weight class (normal weight, overweight, moderate and extreme obesity).
Results: GERD was diagnosed in 1.5% of boys and 1.8% of girls (P<0.001). Moderate and extreme obesity were associated with 16% and 32% higher odds for GERD in children aged 6–11 years compared to normal weight, respectively (OR 1.16, 95%-CI 1.02–1.32 and 1.32, 95%-CI 1.13–1.56). In children aged 12–19 years, moderate and extreme obesity were associated with 16% and 40% higher odds for GERD compared to normal weight, respectively (OR 1.16, 95%-CI 1.07–1.25 and 1.40, 95%-CI 1.28–1.52). Obesity was not related to an increased odd for GERD in children aged 2–5 years of age.
Conclusions: In conclusion, extreme obesity in youth may increase GERD risk by up to 40%. Increasing obesity epidemic among youth may further contribute to an increased incidence of other diseases associated with GERD such as esophagitis and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Early screening of obese youth and treatment of GERD symptoms may help to avoid persistence of GERD into adulthood.
- Received May 27, 2010.
- Accepted May 27, 2010.
