The association between obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is well-established
in adults; however, data in pediatric population is scarce. Our study aimed to assess
the association between GERD and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in overweight
children.From April to August of 2020, we included children aged 7-18 years who attended
the Endocrinological Outpatient Clinic at the Paediatric Institute, University of
Debrecen, Hungary. The participants completed two questionnaires: the Pediatric Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disease Symptom Questionnaire (PGSQ) and the HRQoL questionnaire (PedsQL).
Based on the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO), the patients were categorized
into two groups: an overweight or obese group and a group with normal weight.A total
of 107 children (51 % female, mean age 13.2 years, 46 % overweight or obese) completed
the questionnaires. The median PGSQ score was similar in both groups (4.0 (IQR: 1.0-7.8)
vs. 3.0 (IQR: 1.0-7.0), p=0.6). However, the total PedsQL score was significantly
lower in the children with overweight or obesity compared to those with normal weight
(80.1 (71.1-91.0) vs. 88.0 (76.1-94.6), p=0.031). The PedsQL score was lower among
overweight patients with GERD symptoms than that of normal-weight patients without
GERD symptoms.Our findings highlight the importance of raising awareness about GERD
to enhance the HRQoL and prevent long-term complications in obese children.
