Exploring the Association Between Elevated Body Mass Index and Barrett's Esophagus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the association between elevated body mass index (BMI) and Barrett's esophagus (BE). Cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies published through February 2008 that met strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Summary estimates were calculated for the association between BE and being either overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), or both. Based on 11 studies included in this analysis, there was a statistically significant relationship between increasing BMI and BE. Further studies are needed to evaluate if the presence of reflux attenuates the strength of this relationship, and if a particular pattern of obesity is more strongly associated with BE.