Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease News and Research

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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious form of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which is common. GER occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens spontaneously, for varying periods of time, or does not close properly and stomach contents rise up into the esophagus. GER is also called acid reflux or acid regurgitation, because digestive juices—called acids—rise up with the food. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach.

Study: Bariatric surgery is safe, effective for obese adolescents and young adults

A new study from researchers at LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center, FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and Metamor Institute demonstrates that metabolic and bariatric surgery can be delivered safely and effectively for adolescents and young adults living with severe obesity, offering promising improvements in weight loss and obesity-related health conditions.

13 Jul 2026

Experts outline a multidisciplinary approach to managing clinical obesity

The rapid rise of GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide has transformed obesity treatment.

17 Jun 2026

Simple probiotic may treat acid reflux and prevent cancer

Patients with acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid pushes up into the esophagus, know the symptoms all too well: heartburn, belching, chest pain and trouble swallowing.

3 Jun 2026

Adult weight gain strongly linked to higher obesity-related cancer risk

New research presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2026) in Istanbul, Turkey (12-15 May) shows that people who gain the highest amount of weight across adulthood are at greatly increased risk of certain obesity related cancers.

13 May 2026

Too little or excessive sleep may accelerate organ aging

An analysis of biological clocks throughout the human body suggests that too few hours of sleep-and too many-may speed aging in the brain, heart, lung, and immune system and is associated with a wide range of diseases.

13 May 2026

Study challenges structural explanation for gut symptoms in hEDS patients

A study, led by experts at the University of Nottingham, has found that persistent and distressing upper gut symptoms experienced by people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), are not due to structural problems with the gullet (esophagus), as previously assumed.

13 May 2026

Scientists uncover new obesity genes that reshape understanding of weight and disease risk

Researchers identified five previously unknown genes linked to obesity by analyzing rare protein-truncating variants across six ancestries. The study reveals how rare and common genetic factors combine to influence BMI and related diseases like diabetes and heart failure.

2 Nov 2025

Massive cross-ancestry study explains why obesity risks differ around the world

A massive cross-ancestry genetic study involving over 839,000 adults identified 13 genes linked to obesity, including five never before associated with the condition. The findings highlight how global genetic diversity can uncover new biological pathways and potential treatment targets for obesity.

31 Oct 2025

AGA updates guidelines for Barrett's Esophagus to catch cancer early

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) released a new clinical practice guideline on the surveillance of Barrett's esophagus, the only known precursor to esophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma), a highly lethal cancer whose incidence has risen substantially over recent decades.

21 Oct 2025

New diagnostic code brings recognition and support for Gulf War Illness

Gulf War illness (GWI), the chronic, debilitating condition linked to military service in the 1990-1991 Gulf War, will receive a dedicated diagnostic code in the October 2025 release of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-CM).

11 Sep 2025

Which GLP-1 meds have the most side effects? Study of 60,000 Facebook posts gives answers

Researchers analyzed nearly 60,000 public Facebook posts to identify real-world adverse events linked to GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications. Gastrointestinal symptoms were most common, while mental health concerns and tirzepatide-specific side effects were also flagged.

28 Jul 2025

Upper gastrointestinal involvement is common in Egyptian patients with ulcerative colitis

This study investigates upper gastrointestinal tract (UGIT) involvement in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), a condition traditionally considered limited to the colon.

30 May 2025

New study explores link between gut microbiome and autism spectrum disorder

Researchers evaluate the relationship between the gut microbiome and autism spectrum disorder.

2 Apr 2025

Keto controversy? Experts say it’s here to stay

Low-carb and ketogenic diets offer sustainable solutions for chronic disease, enhancing metabolic health and supporting weight loss through dietary changes.

18 Mar 2025

Impact of excessive alcohol consumption on digestive health

Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant public health concern, responsible for approximately 6% of all deaths and contributing to 5.1% of the global disease burden.

12 Mar 2025

Researchers aim to detect esophageal precancer with state-of-the-art medical technologies

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and University Hospitals (UH) will use state-of-the-art medical technologies they invented-and licensed to Lucid Diagnostics Inc.-to detect esophageal precancer, specifically Barrett's Esophagus (BE).

26 Feb 2025

People with depression at higher risk for long-term physical health conditions

Adults with a history of depression gain long-term physical conditions around 30% faster than those without, according to research publishing February 13th in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine.

13 Feb 2025

Researchers create an atlas of health associations for GLP-1 receptor agonists

Insights from a study on GLP-1 receptor agonists reveal benefits for cardiometabolic health, with notable risks for gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal issues.

20 Jan 2025

Capsule sponge test revolutionizes GERD diagnosis, reduces unnecessary endoscopies

Capsule sponge testing, a minimally invasive diagnostic tool, effectively triages gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients, reducing unnecessary endoscopies by 70% and accurately identifying high-risk cases for Barrett’s esophagus and cancer in real-world clinical settings.

1 Dec 2024

Study links GERD to increased cardiovascular risk factors

A recent study published in the Journal of Translational Internal Medicine (https://doi.org/10.1515/jtim-2024-0017) reveals significant insights into the broader impact of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on cardiovascular health.

20 Nov 2024