Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in Turkish people: a positive correlation with abdominal obesity in women

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing around the world due to abdominal obesity with altered eating habits and decreased physical activity. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for gastroesophagial reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and the prevalence of GERD in patients with MetS. METHODS: Five hundred patients (MetS, n=300 and the control group, n=200) were enrolled in the study. A detailed questionnaire reflux symptoms and behavioral habits was performed. RESULTS: Sixty percent of the subjects were with MetS. GERD rate was significantly higher in the group with MetS compared to subjects without MetS (50.7% vs 26%). Women were more likely to have GERD in both groups (62.6% of women and 28.6% of men ın the MetS group while corresponding rates were 37% vs 16.7% in the control group). Waist circumferences were found to be higher in female MetS patients with GERD. CONCLUSION: GERD is present approximately in every one of the two patients with MetS. Every patient who has MetS should be evaluated in terms of GERD symptoms.