Less heartburn

Published in: Obesity 2013
People studied: 332

In a 6-month programme with 332 adults, the share with reflux fell from 37% to 15%. No comparison group.

Checked against: PubMed 23532991
Published in: Obesity 2013
Last checked: 30 October 2026

Key takeaway

In this study, 332 adults with overweight or obesity joined a 6-month structured programme of diet, activity and behaviour change. They lost about 13 kg on average, and the share with reflux symptoms fell from 37% to 15%. The more weight people lost, the more their symptom scores tended to fall, though this link was weak.

At a glance

Type of study: prospective study of a weight-loss programme, no comparison group
People studied: 332
How long: 6 months
Main result: Reflux fell from 37% to 15% of people in 6 months.
Strength of evidence: Small or uncontrolled studies

What this study does not show

There was no comparison group, so the study cannot show how much of the change came from weight loss alone. Reflux was measured by questionnaire, and follow-up was 6 months.

Results from studies in groups of people, mostly in diet and movement programmes. They cannot be promised to any one person. This information is educational and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.