To study the effect of obesity on pulmonary functions in adults

Abstract

Background: Obesity is defined as an excessive accumulation of fat in the body, resulting in adverse effects on the health of the individual. Obesity alters the relationship between the lungs, chest wall, and diaphragm. So, it has been expected to alter respiratory function. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to conduct a study of pulmonary function in obese (study group) and non-obese (control group) healthy college students. Materials and Methods: The present study involved 100 subjects in the age group of 18–25 years, both obese and non-obese, recruited from various colleges. Out of a total of 100 subjects, 50 were obese (study group) and 50 were non-obese (control group) subjects. Data were statistically analyzed using an unpaired Student “t” test; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study, pulmonary functions such as peak expiratory flow rate and maximum voluntary ventilation decreased significantly (<0.05) in obese people when compared with non-obese people. forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) decreased in obese people when compared with non-obese people, but the results were not significant (>0.05). There was no change in FEV1/FVC%. Conclusion: Obesity can cause various deleterious effects on respiratory function. These changes in lung function are caused by extra adipose tissue in the chest wall and abdominal cavity compressing the thoracic cage, diaphragm, and lungs.