Study of peak expiratory flow rate in male and female young adults with respect to their weight status

Abstract

Background: Young adults are more attracted toward fast food, alcohol, and sedentary lifestyles. Previous study shows that peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) correlates better with height in males and weight in females. Body mass index (BMI) is one of the main factor that affect PEFR values. PEFR, a pulmonary function test is routinely used to confirm the diagnosis of the respiratory disease. Aim and Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate PEFR values in male and female young adults in underweight, normal, overweight, and obese categories of weight status. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in four groups. 40 participants in each group, includes males (20) and female (20) young adults. The groups were divided according to BMI values, underweight (<18.5), normal (18.5–24.9), overweight (25–29.9), and obese (>30). Data were taken and calculated 2 h post lunch after relaxing for 15 min in the afternoon. In the sitting position, at the same time of the day, PEFR values were measured using Wright’s Peak Flow Meter. Results: We found significantly high PEFR values in males as compare to females in the category of underweight (<0.01), normal (<0.05) and overweight (<0.05). The study also shows positive correlation between BMI and PEFR in underweight male and females, normal males, overweight females, and obese females, which is statistically non-significant, except in obese males. Conclusion: We concluded that male have high PEFR values than female as there are differences in their body build-up and low PEFR values in underweight and obese young adults as they have low body fat and reduced expansion of lungs, respectively.