The effects of body fat distribution on pulmonary function tests in the overweight and obese

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the predominant pulmonary function abnormality in overweight and moderately obese subjects and to evaluate the correlation between the severity of lung function impairment and the degree of obesity.

Methods: Fifty-three volunteers underwent physical examination, skin fold measurements, and standardized pulmonary function tests. Thirty-one women and 22 men with a mean age of 40.2 (18-66) years were studied.

Results: The reduction in functional residual capacity (FRC) and expiratory reserve volume (ERV) were the most common abnormalities in overweight and obese subjects. The reduction in static lung volume was correlated with the degree of obesity in women and men. Stepwise multiple regression coefficients were obtained separately for women and men. Subscapular skinfold was the best predictor in women for FRC and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and BMI were found the best for ERV. WHR was found predictive for forced vital capacity, total lung capacity, and FRC in men.

Conclusions: The lung volumes are substantially affected in our overweight and obese subjects. This influence is focused on different parameters of respiratory functions in men and women in relation to body fat distribution.