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Altered olfactory acuity in the morbidly obese.
Brynn E Richardson1, Eric A Vander Woude, Ranjan Sudan
1The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-1225, USA. berichardson@unmc.edu
Obesity Surgery
|August 27, 2004
Summary
Morbidly obese individuals often experience olfactory dysfunction, impacting their sense of smell. This study found a higher likelihood of smell impairment in those with a BMI over 45 compared to moderately obese individuals.
Area of Science:
- Olfactory research
- Obesity studies
- Sensory science
Background:
- Obesity is linked to altered sensory perceptions, including taste and potentially smell.
- Previous research suggests obese individuals may have a heightened response to sweets.
- This study investigates olfactory differences in obese populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if olfactory function differs between morbidly obese and moderately obese individuals.
- To assess the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and olfactory dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- 101 adult volunteers completed the 12-item Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test (CC-SIT).
- Data collected included age, BMI, and smoking history.
- Participants were evaluated preoperatively before surgical intervention.
Main Results:
- 46% of subjects had a BMI >45 kg/m(2).
- 9% of subjects exhibited olfactory dysfunction based on CC-SIT scores.
- Individuals with BMI >45 were significantly more likely to have olfactory dysfunction (16% vs 4%, P <0.05).
Conclusions:
- Morbidly obese individuals show a higher prevalence of olfactory dysfunction.
- The findings suggest a link between severe obesity and impaired sense of smell.
- Metabolic changes associated with morbid obesity may underlie olfactory dysfunction.