Several confounding factors
It’s difficult to issue an opinion under these conditions. There are several confounding factors that studies rarely address. Although the studies always included factors such as age, sex, or BMI, other parameters related to a healthy lifestyle, whether directly or indirectly connected to exercise, were never mentioned. Indeed, diet (such as high calorie or high fat) is known to lead to an increased incidence of GERD. The same goes for alcohol use. Occupation also likely plays a role, but the studies do not mention this.
“So, it’s easy to imagine that a patient who regularly exercises likely eats healthier than a sedentary patient, which comes with the likelihood of a lower risk of developing GERD symptoms,” said Dr. Zerbib. “Overall, evaluating the impact of exercise on GERD is no small feat. It can be said with relative certainty that exercise contributes to GERD through a proven pathophysiology. In the general population, however, exercise likely reduces the risk of GERD but not of its complications. Other than the impact on weight and abdominal obesity, the reality is that a lack of exercise is associated with a less healthy lifestyle and, therefore, behaviors that contribute to GERD.”
Dr. Zerbib reported no conflicts of interest connected to this presentation.
* From a pathophysiological standpoint, the evidence is clear that a high BMI increases the gastroesophageal pressure gradient and dissociation between the LES and the diaphragm, whether temporarily or permanently, as in the case of a hiatal hernia. Abdominal obesity increases constraints on the gastroesophageal junction and results in a two- to threefold increase in the risk of GERD and its complications.
This article was translated from the Medscape French Edition. A version appeared on Medscape.com.