Abstract
The global pandemic of obesity and the increasing incidence of chronic respiratory diseases are growing health concerns. The association between obesity and pulmonary function is uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to explore associations between changes in lung function and obesity-related indices in a large longitudinal study. A total of 9059 participants with no personal histories of asthma, smoking, bronchitis, or emphysema were enrolled from the Taiwan Biobank and followed for 4 years. Lung function was assessed using spirometry measurements including forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Changes in FEV1/FVC (∆FEV1/FVC) between baseline and follow-up were calculated. The following obesity-related indices were studied: lipid accumulation product (LAP), body roundness index (BRI), conicity index (CI), body adiposity index (BAI), abdominal volume index (AVI), body mass index (BMI), waist–hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). In multivariable analysis, the subjects with high BMI (p < 0.001), WHR (p < 0.001), WHtR (p < 0.001), LAP (p = 0.002), BRI (p < 0.001), CI (p = 0.005), BAI (p < 0.001), and AVI (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with a high baseline FEV1/FVC. After 4 years of follow-up, the subjects with high BMI (p < 0.001), WHR (p < 0.001), WHtR (p < 0.001), LAP (p = 0.001), BRI (p < 0.001), CI (p = 0.002), BAI (p < 0.001), and AVI (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with a low △FEV1/FVC. High obesity-related index values were associated with better baseline lung function and a rapid decrease in lung function at follow-up.
Highlights
The prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases has been increasing globally since1990 [1]
We found that after multivariable analysis, high waist–hip ratio (WHR), high waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and high confidence interval (CI) were significantly associated with a low ∆forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) in the normal lung function group
We investigated the associations among various obesity-related indices and changes in FEV1/FVC after 4 years of follow-up
Summary
The prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases has been increasing globally since1990 [1]. The prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases has been increasing globally since. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic respiratory disease and the leading cause of morbidity worldwide [1]. Complications associated with COPD include cor pulmonale [4], recurrent pneumonia [5], depression [6], lung cancer [7], respiratory failure [8], pneumothorax [9], anemia [10], and polycythemia [11]. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that can lead to status asthmaticus or even be fatal if inadequately treated or controlled [12]. The known risk factors for chronic respiratory diseases include smoking, second-hand smoke, particulate matter, household air pollution, and occupational risks [13]. A study of young cystic fibrosis patients reported that female sex, increased cough frequency, productive cough, body mass index (BMI) < 66th percentile, and FEV1 ≥ 115% predicted were associated with a decline in FEV1 [15]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
