PULMONARY FUNCTION IN OBESE INDIVIDUALS- A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Dr. Anitha Sathish; Dr. Jayasree M; Dr. V K. Sreekala

Volume : VI, Issue : III, March - 2017

PULMONARY FUNCTION IN OBESE INDIVIDUALS- A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Dr. Anitha Sathish, Dr. Jayasree M, Dr. V K. Sreekala

Abstract :

Aims:

To assess the lung function in terms of forced vital capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in first second (FEV1), among obese people and correlation between lung function with BMI and Waist Hip Ratio.

Materials and Methods:

This cross sectional study was conducted in subjects attending obesity clinic in the Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Government, Medical College, Trivandrum, a tertiary care center, during the period 2014-2015. Thirty-five patients including males and females of age group 20-60 years with obesity according to WHO guidelines satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study.

Results:

Univariate and multivariate linear regression statistical analysis were carried out to predict the correlation. The result analysis shows a lower value of forced vital capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in first second (FEV), for obese females. FVC and FEV are correlated negatively for Body Mass Index and Waist Hip Ratio of females. In multivariate analysis no significant correlation of FVC and FEV1 are noticed with BM I and Waist Hip Ratio of females. No significant correlation was observed in males for both univariate and multivariate statistical analysis.Waist circumferenceof >94 cm in men and 80cm in women are thresholds for significantly increased cardiovascular risk.

Conclusion:

Forced vital capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory volume in first second (FEV1)were the most representative findings suggesting presence of restrictive respiratory pattern associated with obesity. Both FEV1 &FVC of obese females are less. Severe restriction of FVC and FEV1 were seen in 14.3% and 20% of obese individuals. Females are more affected with obesity than male individuals. Increase in waist hip ratio is obese group is correlated to abdominal fat mass which can be used as a marker for abdominal obesity. Obesity leads to decrease in lung compliance.