GERD is usually more common in western countries but such is not the scenario in the present situation. The reason is there is more number of cases in our Indian subcontinent as well. Because there has been more westernization of the diet and the prevalence of obesity has also increased, that’s why naturally the cases of GERD have also increased. So when it comes to the percentage broadly 50 % of the general public suffer from symptoms of GERD.
So now we must understand what are the different causes for gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. So, GERD is more common in a patient or a person who is overweight. Obesity is one of the most important causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease. So, in studies, it is proven that the BMI or increase in BMI is directly proportional to the gastroesophageal reflux disease prevalence. So the more the body weight, the more the patient suffers from GERD.
In addition to obesity, there are a few conditions or there are few factors which cause more gastroesophageal reflux, which is smoking, abundance in the intake of fried or fatty foods and there are other medicines which also increase the reflux or acid levels and also excess intake of caffeine or coffee, excess usage of peppermint will all these causes more incidence of gastroesophageal reflux.