New Exercise and Exertion-Related Heartburn Condition Gives New Meaning to 'Feeling the Burn' This Spring; Experts Emphasize Importance of Addressing EAGER (Exertion-Associated GastroEsophogeal Reflux) for Millions of Americans Starting Springtime Exercise Programs.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Heartburn caused by physical activity -- or EAGER (Exertion-Associated Gastro Esophageal Reflux) -- is derailing many Americans' efforts to live active lifestyles, according to a recent online survey of 1,000 Baby Boomers. The survey reveals that nearly 40% of heartburn sufferers experience heartburn while exercising and that more than 2 out of every 5 weekly heartburn sufferers have stopped being physically active as a result of heartburn.

According to the survey, three-quarters (75%) of men and women age 35-60 experience heartburn at least occasionally, with 31% reporting weekly bouts of heartburn. On average, heartburn sufferers will experience heartburn 15% of the time they exercise; those suffering heartburn weekly will experience heartburn 45% of the time they exercise. This means that over 16 million Americans have their attempts to be fit interrupted by heartburn!

In addition, heartburn sufferers are exercising significantly less than those without the ailment. Those who do not suffer from heartburn exercise an average of 106 times per year, while sufferers of heartburn exercise an average of only 85 times per year.

"EAGER is a frustrating condition, especially at this time of year when many people take advantage of improved weather conditions across much of the country to start exercise programs and to work off the excess 'baggage' that many people put on during the winter months," said Steven Peikin, M.D., Professor of Medicine at Robert Woods Johnson Hospital and author of the national best selling book, Gastrointestinal Health, who has developed the term EAGER as a way to refer to this condition. "Unfortunately, as this survey shows, many of these same people will suffer from EAGER, which in turn discourages them from continuing their exercise or activity program. In a sense, it's really a double-whammy. People try to be more healthy by exercising more, but end up inducing EAGER which not only causes discomfort but also takes them off the road to better overall health."

About Heartburn & EAGER