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Is there a causal relation between obesity and asthma? Evidence from Chile
1Department of Nutrition, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile. pbustos@med.uchile.cl
International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|April 13, 2005
Summary
Obesity, measured by body mass index (BMI), is linked to asthma symptoms like wheezing. However, this link weakens with allergies, and BMI is inversely related to bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR).
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Previous studies show inconsistent links between obesity and asthma symptoms when considering atopy or bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR).
- Understanding the relationship between obesity and asthma is crucial for public health and clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between obesity indicators and asthma symptoms or BHR in adults.
- To clarify the role of atopic status in the obesity-asthma relationship.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study of 1232 individuals born between 1974-1978 in Chile.
- Participants completed health surveys, underwent allergy skin testing, and a methacholine challenge for BHR assessment.
- Measurements included weight, height, waist circumference, and calculated body mass index (BMI).
Main Results:
- A positive association was found between BMI and exercise-induced wheeze and breathlessness (OR 1.03).
- This association persisted in non-allergic individuals but diminished in those with allergies.
- BMI and waist circumference showed a negative association with BHR (OR 0.93 for BMI).
Conclusions:
- While BMI correlates with some asthma symptoms, the evidence is weakened by the lack of association with waist circumference, a more direct obesity measure.
- Both BMI and waist circumference were negatively associated with BHR, suggesting a complex interplay.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the relationship between obesity, atopy, and asthma phenotypes.