Correlation of anthropometric indices related to obesity with pulmonary function tests in female medical students

Abstract

Obesity is a major contributor to many classes of disease including pulmonary diseases. The purpose of the study to predict the risk of future pulmonary diseases by using indices related to obesity. Various such indices have been used in previous studies but their relative importance remains unknown. The present study utilized four different anthropometric parameters and calculated their correlation with the pulmonary function tests. This study was also carried out to examine the relative importance of these parameters in prediction of pulmonary functions in a group of female students. This cross-sectional study included 200 female medical students. Anthropometric indices used in this study included: Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR), Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR) and Waist Circumference (WC). Pulmonary function tests were performed using a computerized spirometer. Body Mass Index and Waist to Height Ratio showed a significant negative correlation with Forced Expiratory Flow and ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second: Forced Vital Capacity(FEV1: FVC). While Waist Circumference showed a significant negative correlation only with ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second: Forced Vital Capacity. Hence, Body Mass Index, Waist to Height Ratio and Waist circumference can be regarded as most reliable indicators of obesity which leads to decrease in pulmonary functions. Keywords: Body mass index, obesity, pulmonary function tests, Waist Circumference, Waist Hip Ratio, Waist Height Ratio.