Weighing In

The connection between weight and acid reflux disease.

In the United States alone, more than 72 million adults are considered obese.* People who are overweight or obese may be more likely to develop acid reflux disease than people who aren't. The extra weight puts pressure on the abdomen, pushing up the stomach and causing acid to back up into the esophagus.

However, there are things you can do if you're overweight. Losing weight is good for you on many levels, especially when it comes to your health. It's been proven that people who've lost weight seemed to have a reduction of their acid reflux disease symptoms. In addition, people who are obese may have an increased risk for more serious conditions related to acid reflux disease.

Remember, before starting any diet or exercise program, be sure to talk to your doctor.

To help get a sense of whether you are at a healthy weight, try our interactive Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator.

*According to the Centers for Disease Control, obesity is determined by Body Mass Index (BMI)—a number that correlates with the amount of body fat for the majority of people. The index ranges from 18.5 to 40 or more. A BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 is considered overweight and a BMI of 30 or above is considered obese.

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Important Safety Information About NEXIUM

In adults 18 and older, side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

In children 1 to 17 years of age, side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and sleepiness.

Symptom relief does not rule out the presence of other serious stomach conditions.

Before taking NEXIUM, tell your doctor if you are taking atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinivir, digoxin, iron salts, ketoconazole, voriconazole, cilostazol, or warfarin.

Approved Uses for NEXIUM

NEXIUM is prescribed to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease, which typically include persistent heartburn on 2 or more days per week, despite treatment and change of diet.

For many people, NEXIUM is also prescribed to heal damage to the esophagus called erosive esophagitis. This damage may be caused over time from stomach acid wearing away the lining of the esophagus. Only a doctor can diagnose this condition. With NEXIUM, most erosions heal in 4 to 8 weeks. Your results with NEXIUM may vary.

Please read the full Prescribing Information and discuss it with your doctor or health care professional.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.