Interestingly, many people suffering from persistent acid reflux lose weight. This may be due to the fact they are detered from eating because of the effects that may be experienced.

Perhaps, once on acid suppressant medication, they compensate by eating more?

I used to suffer from chronic acid reflux (before I had a fundoplication operation). Even a small glass of still water would immediately reflux. I adjusted my liquid intake. Whenever I had a drink, I found I could restrict the reflux by eating something as well. Other times, I would eat (perhaps a piece of fruit) instead of drinking. The effect was I put on weight.

So, although the text books tell us that a symptom of GERD can be weight loss, it may also be weight gain.

But one other point. If acid dissolved fat. Reducing the acid would reduce the amount of fat absorbed . The undigested fat would pass straight through the body and be expelled.

An interesting question I don't know the answer to is, if we reduce stomach acid, is bile production increased in compensation? If so, fat caould be more easily digested and could lead to weight gain?