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The effects of obesity on pulmonary function
1Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR. albertmli@cuhk.edu.hk
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|March 26, 2003
Summary
Obese children commonly show reduced lung volumes and impaired diffusion capacity. Lung function decline correlated with obesity measured by DEXA, not BMI.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Obesity Research
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
- Obesity can impact respiratory health, but specific pulmonary function abnormalities require elucidation.
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) offers a precise measure of body composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify prevalent pulmonary function abnormalities in obese children.
- To investigate the relationship between obesity severity (using DEXA) and lung function impairment.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-four obese children underwent spirometry, lung volume measurements, and diffusion capacity tests.
- Body composition was assessed using DEXA scans, with trunk and subtotal fat mass as obesity indicators.
- Standard physical examinations were performed.
Main Results:
- Reduced functional residual capacity (FRC) in 46% and impaired diffusion capacity (DLco) in 33% were the most common findings.
- Obstructive ventilatory defects were observed in 3 patients.
- A significant negative correlation existed between reduced FRC and DEXA-measured adiposity, but not with BMI.
Conclusions:
- Reduced static lung volumes (FRC) and diffusion capacity are common in obese children.
- The degree of obesity, as measured by DEXA, correlated with reduced static lung volumes, highlighting the impact of adiposity on respiratory mechanics.