Association between obesity and atopy in adults
Yue Chen1, Donna Rennie, Yvon Cormier
1Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont., Canada. ychen@uottawa.ca
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology
|June 19, 2010
Summary
Obesity, measured by body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference (WC), is significantly linked to atopic sensitization in adults. This finding clarifies previous inconsistent research on the obesity-atopy connection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Previous studies on the association between obesity and atopy have yielded inconsistent results.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for public health initiatives and clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between obesity and atopic sensitization in an adult population.
- To clarify the association between body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with atopy.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1,997 adults aged 18-79 in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada (2003).
- Objective measurements of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC).
- Allergy skin tests were performed to assess atopic sensitization.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between higher BMI and increased prevalence of atopy (p = 0.003).
- Individuals with a BMI ≥ 30.0 had 1.51 times higher odds of atopy compared to those with a BMI < 25.0.
- Waist circumference (WC) was also significantly associated with atopy in both sexes, with a stronger association observed in women.
Conclusions:
- Obesity, defined by both BMI and WC, is significantly associated with atopic sensitization in adults.
- The findings support a link between excess adiposity and the development or exacerbation of atopic conditions.
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