Can long term use of PPIs Increase Your Weight?

While proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can do a lot of good for patients diagnosed with GERD, they are also getting a lot of negative press lately.

First, there were reports that PPIs and Plavix together may increase the risk of recurrent heart attacks. Then there was news about use of PPIs associated with an increased risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia. A study showed there may be a link between the use of PPIs and an increased risk of hip fractures. Another study suggested PPIs may induce reflux symptoms and become addictive.

Now, it seems, PPIs may also increase your risk of gaining weight.

A clinical research team from Japan studied body weight and BMI in patients receiving long-term PPI therapy. Their study will be published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.

The subjects were 52 patients with GERD and 58 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. GERD patients were treated with PPI for an average of 2 years (the treatment range was just under 1 year to almost 6 years), and had been advised on lifestyle modifications (e.g. diet, weight management). Body weight and BMI were measured at beginning and end of study.

The results of the study showed there were no differences in body weight and BMI between GERD patients and controls at the beginning of the study. However, the patients with GERD showed increases in body weight, though there were no such changes were noted in the control group.

The researchers concluded the importance of GERD patients on a daily maintenance therapy of PPI should be strongly encouraged to manage their body weight through lifestyle modifications such as proper diet and avoidance of overeating.

Information on the study can be found on the World Journal of Gastroenterology site.