Does Being Overweight Cause Heartburn?

While heartburn can happen to anyone, GERD seems to be most prevalent in adults who are overweight or obese. Excess weight — especially in the abdominal area — puts more pressure on the stomach. As a result, you're at an increased risk of stomach acids working back into the esophagus and causing heartburn.

Does obesity cause heartburn?

And when overweight people become obese, it further heightens their risk for developing gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Obese people are nearly three times more likely than normal weight people to have heartburn.

Why does fat cause heartburn?

Fried, greasy, and fatty foods can all cause heartburn and lead to reflux because they prevent the lower esophageal sphincter from fully tightening; this creates an opening for stomach acids to flow upward. Greasy, heavier foods are also harder to digest; so the stomach empties more slowly, which can trigger heartburn.