Effect of Obesity on Lung Function in the Pediatric and Adult Populations with Asthma: A Review

Obesity and asthma are major global health concerns, particularly in industrialized nations. Obesity has been shown to have detrimental effects on the respiratory system and lung function owing to metabolic issues and immunological consequences. Research has indicated that obese patients with asthma (atopic or T2-high and non-atopic or T2-low) have diminished lung function in terms of functional residual capacity (FRC), residual volume (RV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), the FEV1/FVC ratio, and FEF 25-75% due to mechanical fat loading on the diaphragm and central adiposity when compared to non-obese asthmatic patients. Therefore, it is plausible that changes in lung function are the result of a combination of mechanical (fat loading on the diaphragm, central adiposity, bronchial hyper-reactivity, and an increase in cholinergic tone), environmental (diet and exercise), and inflammatory factors (local and systemic), which can lead to the obesity-related asthma phenotype characterized by severe asthma symptoms, poor response to corticosteroid treatment, loss of lung function, and poor quality of life from an early age.

Automated summary

Obesity and asthma, especially in industrialized nations, are significant global health concerns. Obesity negatively affects lung function and the respiratory system due to metabolic and immunological issues. Research suggests that obese asthma patients exhibit diminished lung function compared to non-obese asthmatics, which can be attributed to mechanical factors such as fat loading on the diaphragm and central adiposity. This combination of mechanical, environmental, and inflammatory factors can contribute to the obesity-related asthma phenotype, characterized by severe symptoms, poor response to treatment, decreased lung function, and reduced quality of life from an early age.