A systematic review updated the 2005 findings on the epidemiology of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The review included 16 studies published since 2005, adding to the 13 prevalence and two incidence studies from the original review. GERD prevalence varied widely by region, with estimates ranging from 2.5% in East Asia to 33.1% in the Middle East. The overall prevalence in North America was 18.1%–27.8%, in Europe 8.8%–25.9%, and in South America 11.6%. Incidence was approximately 5 per 1000 person-years in the UK and US, and 0.84 in UK children aged 1–17 years. Evidence suggests a significant increase in GERD prevalence since 1995, particularly in North America and East Asia. Prevalence estimates show considerable geographic variation, with East Asia being the only region consistently showing estimates below 10%. The study highlights the global burden of GERD, emphasizing the need for further research in under-studied regions and populations. The findings indicate that GERD remains a prevalent condition worldwide, with potential serious societal consequences due to its impact on patients' quality of life and health outcomes. The review also notes that factors such as family history, obesity, and smoking are associated with GERD, although the evidence is not universally consistent. The study underscores the importance of considering regional and demographic differences in GERD epidemiology.A systematic review updated the 2005 findings on the epidemiology of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The review included 16 studies published since 2005, adding to the 13 prevalence and two incidence studies from the original review. GERD prevalence varied widely by region, with estimates ranging from 2.5% in East Asia to 33.1% in the Middle East. The overall prevalence in North America was 18.1%–27.8%, in Europe 8.8%–25.9%, and in South America 11.6%. Incidence was approximately 5 per 1000 person-years in the UK and US, and 0.84 in UK children aged 1–17 years. Evidence suggests a significant increase in GERD prevalence since 1995, particularly in North America and East Asia. Prevalence estimates show considerable geographic variation, with East Asia being the only region consistently showing estimates below 10%. The study highlights the global burden of GERD, emphasizing the need for further research in under-studied regions and populations. The findings indicate that GERD remains a prevalent condition worldwide, with potential serious societal consequences due to its impact on patients' quality of life and health outcomes. The review also notes that factors such as family history, obesity, and smoking are associated with GERD, although the evidence is not universally consistent. The study underscores the importance of considering regional and demographic differences in GERD epidemiology.