Burn Fat When Your Heart Burns

A recent study completed by Cattolica University in Rome, Italy showed that opera singers were twice as likely to suffer from acid reflux as regular Italians. (Based on a survey of almost a thousand people.) Interesting, no? But, I’m sure by now you may be asking, “What does this have to do with me?”

Well, whether it was the case or not, the data presented brings to mind a classic stereotype – the fat lady singing. And the evidence surrounding the connection between overweight women and acid reflux/heartburn is much less suspect.

Burn Fat When Your Heart Burns

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, shedding a few extra pounds can reduce the risk of heartburn in females by up to 40%. And prior research has long shown the reverse connection is also true. Obesity has been proven to double the risk of heartburn and reflux.

So, the question on many researchers minds (excluding the scientists who seem to have deep passion towards the opera) is whether or not heartburn and acid reflux is more common in the Western culture. Maybe the years of supersized cheeseburgers and Doritos aren’t as beneficial as we may have thought?

Looking back on 31 published studies on acid reflux has shown results that aren’t really that surprising. Heartburn and reflux cases are far more common in the U.S. than East Asian countries, by about three times.

Although, in no way can this data be directly linked to obesity (the statistical data just isn’t available), researchers have strongly suggested lifestyle factors as a primary cause.

So remember, it ain’t over until the fat lady sings. And when she does, just remember to stand back a bit, acid reflux induces vomiting and bad breath.

Sorry, that sounded less gross in my head.