Abstract
IntroductionThe effects of obesity on pulmonary functions have not been addressed previously among Saudi population. We aim to study the effects of obesity on spirometry tests among healthy non-smoking adults.MethodsA cross sectional study conducted among volunteers healthy non-smoking adults Subjects. We divided the subjects into two groups according to their BMI. The first group consisted of non-obese subjects with BMI of 18 to 24.9 kg/m2 and the second group consisted of obese subjects with BMI of 30 kg/m2 and above. Subjects underwent spirometry tests according to American thoracic society standards with measurement of the following values: the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) and forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75).ResultsThe total subjects were 294 with a mean age of 32 years. There were 178 males and 116 females subjects. We found no significant differences in FEV1 (p value = 0.686), FVC (p value = 0.733), FEV1/FVC Ratio (p value = 0.197) and FEF25-75 (p value = 0.693) between the obese and non-obese subjects. However, there was significantly difference in PEF between the two groups (p value < 0.020).ConclusionObesity does not have effect on the spirometry tests (except PEF) among health non-smoking adults. We recommend searching for alternative diagnosis in case of findings abnormal spirometry tests results among obese subjects.
Highlights
The effects of obesity on pulmonary functions have not been addressed previously among Saudi population
We found no significant difference in age (p value = 0.974) or Body mass index (BMI) (P value = 0.755) between the males and females subjects
With regard to spirometry tests, we found significant differences in the FEV1 (p value < 0.001), forced vital capacity (FVC) (p value < 0.001), peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) (p value < 0.001) and FEF 25-75 (p value < 0.004), between the male and female subjects (Table 1)
Summary
The effects of obesity on pulmonary functions have not been addressed previously among Saudi population. Obesity is a chronic medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat on human body that causes a generalized increase in body mass. It is measured by using body mass index (BMI) which is a reflection of weight and height. The world Health Organization (WHO) classified obesity using BMI cut-off values of 25 and 30 kg/m2. Body mass index (BMI) of 18 to 24.9 kg/m2 is considered normal weight, a BMI of 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 is considered overweight and a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher is considered obesity [1]. Obesity has been associated with many health consequences, including but not limited to diabetes, suggested for many other groups Asians [6] Latin Americans [7] Indians [8] and South Africans [9]
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