Respiratory muscle power and lung function in healthy obese Sudanese medical students

Abstract

There is an increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide (Body Mass Index equals or above 30kg/m2). Obesity may cause changes in pulmonary mechanics, as measured by spirometric values: mild reduction in vital capacity and proportionate reduction in Forced Expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) depending upon the age, type of body fat distribution and severity of obesity. Changes in respiratory muscle strength in healthy obese individuals have not been widely investigated. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of obesity on respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function in healthy obese subjects. A cross sectional study was carried out at National Ribat University, Faculty of Medicine, among ninety-five healthy male and female medical students aged 17-25 years (52 obese with BMI equals or above 30kg/m2, 43 non-obese with BMI< 0.05). These results were also found to be consistent in female subjects. Significant negative correlation was also observed between % fat and lung function parameters (FVC, FEV1). Increased strengthening of respiratory muscles in healthy obese adults (as measured by elevated MEP and MIP) might be a compensatory effect to bring lung function to comparable values of the non- obese. Percent of body fat could be a good predictor for decline in lung function in obese individuals.