Association of Body Mass Index (BMI) with Lung Function Parameters in Non-asthmatics Identified by Spirometric Protocols

Abstract

Introduction: Many studies have been published about the correlation between asthma and obesity in males and females. Various epidemiological data showed that obesity precedes development of asthma and increases the prevalence and incidence of asthma, indicates the possibility of a causal association. Aim: To find out the correlation between body mass index and lung functions parameters in non-asthmatics, diagnosed by spirometric values in males and females. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from October, 2012 to March, 2013 in Physiology department, R.G.Kar Medical College, Kolkata, India on the spirometric data stored in our laboratory. About 590 test results were reviewed, among them only 424 test results of non asthmatics were analysed for our study. Results: Comparison of lung function parameters between male and female showed a significant difference. Lung function parameters like Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV), Forced Expiratory Flow (FEF) rates, were significantly correlated with BMI among the obese subjects [FEV1(r=-0.531, p=0.009); FEF25-75% (r=-0.653, p=0.001); FEV1/FVC (r=-0.603, p=0.002)]. Significant association was found between BMI and lung function parameters in obese female but not in obese male. Conclusion: Association was found between indices of spirometry and BMI in non-asthmatic obese group along with a gender disparity.

Keywords

• asthma
• obesity
• spirometric parameters
• pulmonary function test