This systematic review updates the findings of a 2005 study on the epidemiology of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by including new population-based studies published between July 2004 and February 2011. The review examines temporal and geographic trends in GERD prevalence and incidence, using a Poisson regression model. Sixteen studies were included, covering a range of prevalence estimates from 18.1% to 27.8% in North America, 8.8% to 25.9% in Europe, 2.5% to 7.8% in East Asia, 8.7% to 33.1% in the Middle East, 11.6% in Australia, and 23.0% in South America. Incidence rates were approximately 5 per 1000 person-years in the UK and US populations, and 0.84 per 1000 person-years in pediatric patients aged 1–17 years in the UK. Evidence suggests an increase in GERD prevalence since 1995, particularly in North America and East Asia. The review highlights that GERD is prevalent worldwide, with only East Asia showing consistently lower prevalence estimates. The findings indicate that GERD may be increasing in prevalence and has significant societal implications due to its impact on patients' lives and risk factors for more serious conditions.This systematic review updates the findings of a 2005 study on the epidemiology of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by including new population-based studies published between July 2004 and February 2011. The review examines temporal and geographic trends in GERD prevalence and incidence, using a Poisson regression model. Sixteen studies were included, covering a range of prevalence estimates from 18.1% to 27.8% in North America, 8.8% to 25.9% in Europe, 2.5% to 7.8% in East Asia, 8.7% to 33.1% in the Middle East, 11.6% in Australia, and 23.0% in South America. Incidence rates were approximately 5 per 1000 person-years in the UK and US populations, and 0.84 per 1000 person-years in pediatric patients aged 1–17 years in the UK. Evidence suggests an increase in GERD prevalence since 1995, particularly in North America and East Asia. The review highlights that GERD is prevalent worldwide, with only East Asia showing consistently lower prevalence estimates. The findings indicate that GERD may be increasing in prevalence and has significant societal implications due to its impact on patients' lives and risk factors for more serious conditions.