For a significant number of adults suffering from acid reflux and LPR symptoms, the single most important decision they can make is to lose weight. For those extremely overweight or obese, the extra pounds are not only causing GERD symptoms but in the long-term, they may result in serious health issues. As RefluxMD was developing its GERD-friendly meal plan and diet program, Recipe for Relief, we realized that for those with a BMI of 27 or higher, a more aggressive weight loss program was necessary. We are pleased to present Scale Down for Relief.

Why is RefluxMD so interested in diet and weight management?

A research article by Hashem El-Serag MD MPH titled The Association Between Obesity and GERD: A Review of the Epidemiological Evidence, the connection between excessive weight and Gerd was evaluated using meta-analysis. The results were clear and convincing:

• “The effect of weight gain examined in a study by Nilsson et al found that a gain greater than 3.5 BMI units was associated with an approximately 3-fold increase in the risk of developing new reflux symptoms.”
• “There is a significant overall risk association with increased BMI and erosive esophagitis. “
• “This meta-analysis indicated that obesity was associated with a significant 1.5- to 2-fold increase in the risk of GERD symptoms and erosive esophagitis, and a 2- to 2.5-fold increase in the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma as compared to individuals with normal BMI.”

Excessive weight and obesity can lead to an increased risk of acid reflux symptoms, erosive esophagitis, and esophageal cancer – resulting in significant pain and a lower quality of life. In light of this research, RefluxMD recognized that something needed to be done.

Recipe for Relief – A GERD-friendly plan for life

Recipe for Relief is a safe, healthy, and easy plan to use that can be followed for a lifetime, but it is best targeted to those with a BMI of less than 27. As one’s BMI gets further from our target range of 19 to 24, it becomes much more important to be aggressive with weight loss. Our goal is to help those needing such a Program with Scale Down for Relief with a transition to Recipe for Relief upon reaching a BMI between 24.1 or 25.9.

What is Scale Down for Relief?

After evaluating many diet programs, we were impressed by an excellent meal supplement and health-coaching program. During our evaluation of the program, we met Sandy Mason, a GERD sufferer who is symptom-free after losing weight on this program. At her peak, Sandy weighed 194 pounds (5’4”) with a BMI of 33. In less than seven months Sandy lost 68 pounds and now has a BMI of 22! You can read Sandy’s full story in an article titled GERD diet and health meal plans for acid reflux relief.

RefluxMD’s CEO was so impressed with the potential of this program to deliver results for our members, that he had to try the program himself. In December his weight was 215 pounds with a BMI of 27. After 5 weeks on the program he achieved his target weight of 195 (BMI of 24) and since then he lost an additional 4 pounds as he transitioned to a more long-term diet approach. What really impressed him, however, were the services provided by the health coaches that he worked with during the weight loss program that he continues to utilize today.

Get Started Today – Find Your Path to Relief

We are excited about the potential of this new program for the majority of our members, especially those with earlier stage GERD.  If you have a BMI of 27 or higher, we highly recommend that you learn more about Scale Down for Relief. If you have been seeking a GERD-friendly weight loss program with personalized GERD counseling for yourself, download our SDFR brochureand schedule a phone call with us today to learn more and determine if this is the right approach for you.  Get started today!  You can reduce or eliminate your GERD symptoms like Sandy, and reduce your risk of disease progression.