Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a life-affecting condition that affects as many as 20% of the population. Given the prevalence of GERD, the quest for suitable treatment methods has been a relentless one— but often to little effect.
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
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Obesity, Reflux, fundoplication, atypical reflux, heartburn, EsophyX, incisionless surgery, GERD Awareness Week
The prevalence of obesity has increased in recent years. However, individuals who are obese early in life have not been studied over time to determine whether they develop severe obesity in adulthood, thus limiting effective interventions to reduce severe obesity incidence and its potentially life-threatening-associated conditions. According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, obesity in adolescence was significantly associated with increased risk of incident severe obesity in adulthood, with variations by gender and race/ethnicity.
It is important to remember that obesity is an independent risk factor for GERD or reflux. Early intervention in the beginning of adulthood is essential may prevent long-term obesity and its complications. As an adolescent, portion control and the avoidance of fatty and processed foods should be be enforced. Obesity is an epidemic in the USA that seems to be on the rise. The worldwide prevalence of GERD is about 18 percent.
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
GERD Awareness Week is coming up November 21-27, 2010.
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
