[Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in overweight and obese subjects: an epidemiologic study on a Mexican population].

BACKGROUND The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing significantly and Mexico is in a top position on a worldwide scale, with more than 70% of the adult population estimated to be affected. Multiple pathologies are associated with obesity and those of the digestive tract are no exception. AIMS To study the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in subjects with overweight and obesity in a representative sample of the Mexican population. METHODS An epidemiologic study was conducted on 1,139 volunteers that were divided into three groups according to their body mass index: A) normal weight, B) overweight, and C) obese. The prevalence, intensity, and recurrence of 14 common gastrointestinal symptoms were studied through a guided survey. A comparative analysis with measures of frequency and association was carried out using the EPIDAT 3.1 statistical package. RESULTS Symptom prevalence increased with weight gain; eight of the symptoms (bloating, epigastric burning sensation, regurgitations, flatulence, postprandial fullness, early satiety, heartburn and recurrent vomiting) were more prevalent, intense, and frequent in obese individuals than in those with normal weight, with statistically significant differences P=.0001). CONCLUSIONS Overweight and obese individuals have more gastrointestinal symptoms than those with normal weight; when the most frequent symptoms were grouped together, those characteristic of dyspepsia, reflux disease, and increased intestinal gas production predominated.