ICJIM
Intercontinental Journal of Internal Medicine

The Intercontinental Journal of Internal Medicine aims to publish issues related to all fields of internal medicine of the highest scientific and clinical value at an international level and accepts articles on these topics.

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Original Article
Changes in anthropometric and metabolic parameters related to gastroesophageal reflux disease in non obese cases
Abstract
Aims: Central obesity associated with visceral adiposity is considered to increase reflux symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the effects of anthropometric and visceral fat-related measurements on reflux symptoms in non-obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a body mass index (BMI) <30.
Methods: The study included 120 non-obese patients with dyspeptic complaints, BMI <30, and GERD diagnosed according to the Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (FSSG), and 50 non-obese controls with BMI <30, no dyspeptic complaints, and no GERD according to the FSSG. Demographic data and extraesophageal symptoms were assessed using a questionnaire. Serum biochemical findings were recorded. Body composition and anthropometric measurements were evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis (TANITA).
Results: Significant differences were found between the GERD and healthy control groups in waist circumference, BMI, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), body fat percentage, fat mass, total body water (TBW), metabolic age, visceral fat, obesity grade, reflux score, acid reflux score, and total FSSG score (p<0.05). Sore throat, apnea, and teeth grinding also differed significantly between the groups (p<0.05). In the patient group, acid reflux scores were positively correlated with BMI (r=0.298, p=0.001), LDL (r=0.387, p<0.001), and visceral fat (r=0.180, p=0.049), and negatively correlated with TBW (r=-0.273, p<0.003).
Conclusion: Reflux symptom frequency and severity are closely associated with body fat composition in non-obese as well as obese patients. Increased abdominal and visceral fat may increase GERD risk independently of obesity.

Keywords : Non-obese, GERD, FSSG, bioelectrical impedance

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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 3, 2026
Page : 65-71
https://doi.org/10.51271/ICJIM-0079
Article Information
Received : 21 Tem 2026
Accepted : 23 Ağu 2026
Published : 31 Ağu 2026
Corresponding Author :

Şeyma Yavuz: Department of Hematology, Balıkesir City Hospital, Balıkesir, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Yavuz Ş, Utku ÖG, Güngüneş A, Dindar Badem N, Ergül B, Oğuz D. Changes in anthropometric and metabolic parameters related to gastroesophageal reflux disease in non obese cases. Intercont J Int Med. 2026;4(3):65-71. doi:10.51271/ICJIM-0079

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