A recent study shows that carrying more weight in the midsection may increase one’s risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus, a precursor to esophageal cancer.
Barrett’s esophagus is “a disorder in which the lining of the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach) is damaged by stomach acid and changed to a lining similar to that of the stomach.”* Barrett’s esophagus has been shown to be a precursor to esophageal cancer.
This study linked a higher amount of visceral fat to a greater risk of Barrett’s esophagus.
The fat located in the abdominal region is either defined as visceral or subcutaneous. Visceral fat surrounds the organs in the abdominal region, while subcutaneous fat is located between the skin and the abdominal wall.
Researchers reported that the elevated risk of Barrett’s esophagus related to the increase of visceral abdominal fat was found in both those who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and also those who do not experience GERD symptoms.
For a more information on the study, please refer to the following two articles:
“Visceral abdominal obesity measured by CT scan is associated with an increased risk of Barrett’s oesophagus: a case-control study.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine
“Visceral adipose tissue increased risk for Barrett’s esophagus.” Healio Gastroenterology
*“Barrett’s esophagus.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine
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