Evaluation of dynamic function tests in normal obese individuals

The study was undertaken to assess the dynamic pulmonary function tests in obese and non obese young adults of Gharwal (Uttrakhand, India) of 20-40 years age group, randomly selected form the employees of Himalayan institute of medical sciences, attendants of the patients at the hospital and also from the nearby community at Jolly grant, Dehradun. The volunteers representing mixed socioeconomic group were categorized into obese cases and non-obese controls as per the standard criteria for Body mass index (BMI). Dynamic pulmonary function tests were carried out with all the standard protocols. Statistical analysis comprised student's "t" test and linear correlation analysis. The result indicated a significantly lower value of (FVC) forced vital capacity (2.89 +/- 0.29) and (FEV1) Forced expiratory volume in 1st sec (2.59 +/- 0.25) in obese females. The FVC and FEV1 in the females correlated negatively to the BMI (r = -0.376, P < 0.05 and r = -0.359 and P < 0.05) and were significant. Dynamic pulmonary function values in males showed a negative correlation but were not statistically significant. This concludes that obesity per se has less effect on the dynamic function tests in obese young adults except in females, but obese individuals presenting with greater morbidity may be more susceptible to altered dynamic pulmonary function test in this age group.