Agreed! I read that research artice with a bit of concern too... as in, are we going to go through a "blame the patient" or "blame the parent" with regard to reflux in older children?
Yes, childhood obesity is a huge issue. Yes, eating healthier and exercising can help a myriad of health conditions. Yes, as a nutirionist I am definitely aware of all of those things...
The problem lies when people start assuming that an obese person/child would be disease free if they watched what they put in their mouths. That it is "their fault" they are sick and that they, in turn, "deserve what they get".
It is certianly NOT always the case with acid reflux. As Jan said, It is just not that simple. It is most likely that acid reflux will be proven to be caused by several different issues and not one. The newest study out talks about esophageal motility as an issue. As you mentioned, not all obese people have acid reflux and not all people with acid reflux are obese.
I guess my point is that EVERYONE needs to eat healthy foods and excercise, regardless of their weight... and that anyone dealing with a chronic illness should be treated with compassion.
When your child has a condition that leaves them in pain the last thing we need is to play the blame game.
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Stephanie,
Thanks for your excellent comments on childhood obesity and GERD. I read that study with great interest too. The media soundbites do make it seem so simplistic-fast food, greasy school lunches, TV and electronics are easy to blame individually for obesity and related health problems. And at the same time fingers are pointed at the schools, parents and others for causing childhood obesity. If only there were fresh, locally grown vegetables offered at school, then there wouldn't be so many overweight children...It is just not a simple problem to resolve or prevent.
I hear your frustration about having reflux despite reducing your risk factors. It is my understanding that obesity can lead to a cascade of health issues such as heart, lung, blood pressure and joint/mobility problems as well as diabetes. So your efforts to manage your weight have most likely prevented a number of other health problems. I know that is of little comfort when you still feel the burn in your esophagus.
Take care, Jan