Question

I have acid reflux disease, and my doctor says this is because I'm obese. I'm only a little overweight for my age. I think he's wrong.

Should I try another doctor?
 

Answer

Good communication between patient and doctor is very important, and this always takes two. However, we are the first to agree that misunderstanding or disagreement can easily occur when the word obesity is ever mentioned, so rather than being hasty in "trying another doctor" meantime, we will help you have a better understanding of the three relevant words you use - reflux, overweight and obesity, which you can perhaps talk about with your doctor.
 

For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the "body mass index" (BMI). BMI is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat. An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. You will see a link explaining this below.
 

Reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. No one really knows why people get acid reflux or GERD. A hiatal hernia is one cause but other factors that may contribute to GERD include: alcohol use - being overweight - smoking - eating large meals, especially near bedtime - bending a lot - wearing tight clothing around the waist. Also, certain foods can be associated with reflux events. Acid is present in the stomach to digest food. Heartburn occurs when small amounts of this acid rise up into the gullet (oesophagus) - the tube which carries food from the mouth to the stomach.This is called reflux.
 

The most important and helpful aspects of treatment are those which you can do for yourself.: Stop Smoking (after a meal, when the stomach is full, smoking increases the chances that you will suffer from heartburn) -.Avoid becoming overweight. For many patients weight reduction is the most important remedy - It is worth trying to improve your eating habits. Include more fruit, vegetables and high-fibre foods in your diet - Regular exercise can also help weight reduction - Diet: You may find particular foods can make your symptoms worse. These might include: acidic fruit drinks, drinks which are too hot, spirits (such as whiskey and brandy), or fatty and spicy meals. It is better to eat 'little and often', fill but do not over-fill the stomach. Food should be eaten slowly and chewed well - Sleeping: Let your evening meal digest well before you go to bed. Night-time symptoms can also be reduced by raising the head of the bed on blocks by 6 inches. Gravity helps to keep the acid in the stomach where it should be. Some people are helped by sleeping on their left side.- Posture: Avoid bending from the waist or stooping just after meals. Instead, try and bend from the knees, keeping the back straight. Meals are better taken while sitting on an upright chair rather than slumped in front of the television.- Clothing: Avoid tight belts and underclothes as they increase pressure on the stomach.- Pregnancy: It is common for pregnant women to suffer from heartburn. By eating sensibly and keeping your weight increase within the recommended limits, you can lessen the severity of heartburn.
 

Related Links
How to avoid heartburn
Obesity Linked to GERD's Complications
Defining Overweight and Obesity
GERD