Prevalence of Obesity and Its Associated Comorbidities in Adults with Asthma: A Single-Center Study in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Asthma is associated with several comorbidities, one of which is obesity. The worldwide increase in obesity has been accompanied by a parallel rise in asthma prevalence, with obesity recognized as a significant risk factor for both the development and severity of asthma. Obesity is often linked to various comorbidities, which can complicate asthma management and lead to poorer clinical outcomes. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities in adults with asthma in a single center in Saudi Arabia, providing an overview of the associated health implications. Materials and Methods: This single-center, retrospective study aimed to assess the prevalence of obesity and other comorbidities in asthma patients. Data were collected from King Khalid University Hospital in Saudi Arabia between July 2023 and December 2023. Results: This study revealed that 72.1% of asthma patients were either obese or overweight. Female patients had significantly higher BMI values compared to males. Our study revealed that 38.21% of female asthma patients (mean age = 57 ± 13.85 years) had comorbidities compared to 24.14% of male asthma patients (mean age = 59 ± 14.02 years). Furthermore, the proportion of obese asthmatic patients with comorbidities was significantly greater than those without comorbidities. Conclusions: This study investigates obesity prevalence and associated comorbidities in adult asthmatics in a single center in Saudi Arabia. The findings reveal a 72.1% rate of obesity and overweight among asthmatic patients, with higher BMI and comorbidity prevalence in females. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing obesity and comorbidities, especially in female asthmatics.

Keywords: allergic rhinitis; body mass index; cardiovascular disease; diabetes mellitus; gastroesophageal reflux disease; obstructive sleep apnea; sinusitis.

Figure 1

Flowchart of patient selection and exclusion criteria.

Figure 2

BMI variations in asthmatic patients with and without comorbidities. Patients were divided into four groups (A) based on body mass index (BMI) and presence of comorbidities: obese male asthmatics, obese male asthmatics with comorbidities, obese female asthmatics, and obese female asthmatics with comorbidities. (B) illustrates another comparison of obese asthmatics with comorbidities with obese asthmatics without comorbidities. Each data point represents mean ± SD. * p < 0.05 and ** p < 0.01, # p < 0.05, and ## p < 0.01. +COM = with comorbidities.