A study of correlation of FEV1/FVC ratio with body fat percentage in young individuals

Abstract

s: Background:For diagnosing pulmonary disease lung function tests are most important. The purpose of this study was to find out the association of body fat percentage and its distribution on pulmonary functions. We hypothesized that there is significant difference in Pulmonary Function FEV1/FVC among normal and overweight young healthy adults. Objectives:To measure Pulmonary Function FEV1/FVC ratio among normal and overweight young healthy adults and to detect the correlation between FEV1/FVC and Body fat percentage, if any. Methods:The study underwent in one forty eight young healthyindividuals (74 male & 74 female) of 18-25 years of in Department of Physiology,S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur categorized into 4groups Normal weight (37 males and 37 females) & over weight (37males and 37 females) on the basis of BMI. After measuring skin fat thickness with the help of Lange calliper, body fat percentage was calculated by Durnin and Womersley method. Body fat distribution was also estimated by measuring waist hip ratio and then pulmonary function tests were recorded by Medspiror spirometer in all groups. Results:Analysis done by using SPSS window. Parameters were compared by unpaired t test. Mean value of FEV1/FVC among males of normal weight[(83±8.61,(n=37)]and of overweight[80±3.68,(n=37)]was noted, in females of normal weight [76±2.79,(n=37)]and of overweight [79.09±6.40,(n=37)]found. P value was >0.05 NS among both genders. Pearson’s Coefficient of correlation (r) used. Non-Significant correlation( r) of FEV1/FVC with body fat% and WHR in overweight males r=-0.2,r=-0.1,where as in overweight females r=-0.1,r=-0.2 was noted respectively. Conclusion:This study shows that with increase in body fat percentage itself and the way of fat distribution have no significant effect on FEV1/FVC ratio.