Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease and Obesity: Pathophysiology and Putative Treatment

Abstract

Both gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and obesity have been witnessing a substantial parallel increase in their prevalence over the last few decades. Several epidemiological and pathophysiological studies have reaffirmed the causal association between high Body Mass Index (BMI), especially visceral fat, and GORD and their resulting complications. In this chapter, we discuss the possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms underlying GORD in obese patients and review available putative treatment.