Association of upper and lower gastrointestinal tract symptoms with body mass index in an Australian cohort

N J Talley, Carolyn Quan, M P Jones, Michael Horowitz

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103 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Food modulates gastrointestinal (GI) function and GI symptoms could alter food intake, but it is not established whether or not obese people experience more or less GI symptoms. We aimed at evaluating the association between body mass index (BMI) and specific GI symptoms in the community. Population-based random samples from Sydney, Australia (n = 777) completed a validated questionnaire. The association of each GI symptom with BMI (kg m(-2)) categories was assessed using logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders. The prevalence of obesity (BMI > or =30 kg m(-2)) was 22%. There were univariate associations (adjusting for age, sex, education level, alcohol and smoking) between increased BMI category and heartburn (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.4, 2.5), acid regurgitation (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.4, 2.9), increased bloating (OR = 1.3, 95%CI 1.1, 1.6), increased stool frequency (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1, 1.7), loose and watery stools (OR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.1, 2.0) and upper abdominal pain (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.03, 1.6). Early satiety was associated with a lower BMI category but this was not significant after adjustment (OR = 0.8, 95% CI 0.6, 1.1). Lower abdominal pain, postprandial fullness, nausea and vomiting were not associated with BMI category. In a regression model adjusting for sex, education, smoking, alcohol and all GI symptoms, older age, less early satiety and increased stool frequency and heartburn were all independently associated with increasing BMI (all P < 0.01). Heartburn and diarrhoea were associated with increased BMI, while early satiety was associated with a lower BMI in this population.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)413-419
Number of pages7
JournalNeurogastroenterology and Motility
Volume16
Issue number4
Early online date22 Jul 2004
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Australia
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cohort Studies
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Lower Gastrointestinal Tract
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Obesity
  • Odds Ratio
  • Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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