GERD and Body Weight Changes Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch GERD How Changes in Body Weight Affect GERD A growing body of research shows that your weight can have a significant impact on acid reflux and related symptoms. By Allison RyanMedically Reviewed by Kareem Sassi, MD Reviewed: June 22, 2018 Medically Reviewed Maintaining a proper body weight can reduce symptoms of GERD.Andriy Popov/Alamy It's common knowledge that certain foods can trigger symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) — a condition characterized by frequent episodes of acid reflux, also known as heartburn.But scientists and doctors have shown in a number of different studies that Another possible explanation is that people with a higher body weight may eat more fat, which is a well-known GERD trigger. If you have GERD and you’re overweight or obese, it may be worthwhile to talk to your doctor about how losing weight could improve your symptoms. Here are some key takeaways from studies showing that your body weight plays a role in GERD, and that losing weight can have a positive impact on the condition. Small Weight Gain Linked to GERD An important study on GERD and body weight was published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). ( In this study, researchers sought to find out whether relatively small changes in body weight — even within the bounds of normal weight — can affect the severity of acid reflux and related symptoms in women.The study found a clear correlation between a woman’s Weight Loss Programs for GERD There’s strong evidence that if you’re obese, participating in a structured weight loss program can help ease symptoms of GERD.In a study published in March 2013 in the journal Obesity, 332 obese adults took part in a program that included dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavioral strategies. ( Should You Try to Lose Weight There are a number of factors that may determine whether it’s a good idea for you to try to lose weight to help manage your GERD. One, as the researchers in the NEJM study noted, is whether you’ve gained weight in the recent past, and whether your GERD symptoms got worse after this happened. Another is whether you’re experiencing other negative health effects from being overweight or obese — such as high blood pressure or impaired glucose tolerance — that make losing weight an urgent priority. Always talk to your doctor before starting on any weight loss program to make sure that it’s safe, given your current state of health. Losing weight isn’t easy. But if it’s right for you, it may turn out to do more for your GERD than you imagined was possible. Additional reporting by Quinn Phillips. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking ReferencesJacobson BC, Somers SC, Fuchs CS, et al. Body-Mass Index and Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Women. Show Less The Latest in GERD Treatment Options for GERD Although most cases of GERD can be effectively managed with lifestyle modifications and medications, sometimes surgery may be necessary.By Mark HenricksDecember 3, 2021 What’s the Difference Between Acid Reflux and GERD? A burning pain in your chest generally signals heartburn, right? But if you are thinking that heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is the same as gastroesophag...By Denise SchipaniDecember 1, 2021 What Is GERD? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionBy Ashley WelchAugust 27, 2021 Managing GERD in an Era of UncertaintyBy Everyday Health Guest ContributorNovember 22, 2019 Still Searching for Relief From GERDBy Sean Delshad, MD, MBAMay 24, 2019 Heartburn Causes, Symptoms, and DiagnosisBy Diana RodriguezSeptember 17, 2018 GERD Symptoms and DiagnosisBy Mark HenricksJune 19, 2018 How to Choose the Right GERD Diet Consuming smaller meals, eating slowly, and avoiding certain foods may help relieve symptoms of GERD.By Mark HenricksJune 14, 2018 New Diet to Cut Acid RefluxBy November 16, 2017 Top 15 Heartburn RemediesBy November 14, 2017 MORE IN Type 2 Diabetes Drug Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) Aids Weight Loss in People With Obesity Obesity and Heart Disease: What’s the Connection? 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