Factors associated with BMI in Greek adults with asthma

The association between asthma and obesity remains controversial and limited to a few studies.

The present study was designed to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and clinical measures of asthma morbidity in Greek asthma patients.

A cross-sectional study in 100 outpatients at the asthma department of the "Amalia Fleming" General Hospital in Athens, Greece, was conducted. Asthma diagnosis was confirmed by a specialist, according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines. Participants were classified, with respect to BMI (kg/m(2)), in three groups: normal: <25.0, overweight: 25.0-29.9.0 and obese: > or = 30.0. Data were modeled through multiple logistic regression analysis for the association of overweight/obesity with the study variables: demographics, asthma severity, smoking, pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in one second; FEV(1)), asthma control (Asthma Control Test; ACT), disability associated with dyspnea (Medical Research Council [MRC] breathlessness scale), and physical activity in leisure time.

Overweight/obesity was detected in 56 participants (56%). Multivariate regression analysis resulted in an excess risk of overweight/obesity for older participants (odds ratio [OR]: 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-2.64 for a 10-year increase in age).

Age seems to be highly associated with overweight/obesity in Greek adults with asthma who tend to maintain a similar body weight compared to the general population.