Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection induces an increase in body mass index

Background: The relationship between H. pylori infection and body mass indices is controversial. Aim: To investigate the relationship between H. pylori infection and body indices, and to examine the effect of H. pylori eradication therapy on body indices. Methods: Nine-hundred and thirty-two employees of an industrial corporation were examined for H. pylori infection and body mass indices. Three hundred and two H. pylori -positive cases diagnosed with chronic gastritis by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or radiography underwent eradication therapy. Body mass indices, serum total cholesterol levels and symptom scores were obtained before and at 12 months after eradication therapy. Results: There was no significant difference in body weight, body mass index (BMI) or serum total cholesterol level between the H. pylori -positive and H. pylori -negative groups. However, body weight and BMI increased significantly 12 months after eradication of H. pylori infection. In contrast, there was no significant difference in body weight and BMI 12 months after eradication therapy in the non-eradication group. Serum total cholesterol levels did not change after eradication therapy in either the eradication or non-eradication groups. Conclusion: Eradication of H. pylori infection induced an increase in BMI in industrial workers with chronic gastritis in Japan.