Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and GERD: A Bidirectional Link

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a unified entity with a bidirectional relationship with GERD, as most research supports a strong link suggesting MetS may increase GERD risk and vice versa. Variations in prevalence rates result from differences in demographics, diagnostic methods, and fat distribution. Men with visceral fat (V-type MetS) show higher erosive esophagitis rates compared to those with subcutaneous fat (S-type), unlike women. Key MetS components such as abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia contribute to GERD through mechanisms like increased intra-abdominal pressure, transient LES relaxation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Hence, MetS and its individual components, particularly central obesity are independent risk factors for GERD. This highlights the need for addressing metabolic abnormalities in GERD patients that could offer substantial therapeutic benefits.

References: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5292393/