DDW: Obesity Drives GERD Symptoms in Kids

Fat parents have fat kids.

The next generation of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) could come from the burgeoning epidemic of childhood obesity, according to a study reported here.

Between 25% and 30% of overweight and obese children had symptoms consistent with GERD. That contrasts with previous evidence suggesting a GERD prevalence of 3% to 5% among children (Arch Pediatr Adolescent Med 2000; 154: 150-54).

"In this interim analysis of a cohort of overweight and obese children, GERD is highly prevalent, correlating with studies reported in adults," Marek Lukacik, MD, of the Medical College of Georgia in Albany, said in an interview during Digestive Disease Week.

"Being obese or overweight should be considered a risk factor for GERD in the pediatric population. As obesity becomes more prevalent in this young group, symptomatic GERD may have greater impact on healthcare spending. Chronic GERD may have ramifications for the long-term health of obese children."

More nutritional child abuse.

Kudos, fatsos.