Influence of underweight on asthma control
Toshiki Furukawa1, Takashi Hasegawa, Kazuo Suzuki
1Division of Respiratory Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1−754 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Japan.
Summary
Underweight asthma patients have poorer asthma control compared to normal weight individuals. This study highlights the adverse impact of low body mass index (BMI) on asthma management.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Metabolic Health
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Existing research extensively covers obesity's impact on asthma control.
- The influence of underweight on asthma control remains largely unexplored.
- This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding low body mass index (BMI) and asthma outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of underweight on asthma control in Japanese patients.
- To compare asthma control between normal weight and underweight individuals using the Asthma Control Test (ACT).
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Niigata Asthma Treatment Study Group questionnaire surveys.
- Defined underweight as BMI < 18.5 kg/m² and normal weight as 18.5 kg/m² ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m².
- Compared ACT scores between the underweight and normal weight groups.
Main Results:
- A significant number of patients were categorized into normal weight (1464-1260) and underweight (174-155) groups across survey years.
- Underweight patients exhibited significantly lower Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores in both 2008 and 2010 compared to normal weight patients.
- Median ACT scores for the underweight group were 22 (2008) and 23 (2010), versus 23 (2008) and 24 (2010) for the normal weight group.
Conclusions:
- This large-scale study is the first to demonstrate an adverse influence of underweight on asthma control.
- Findings confirm a negative association between low BMI and asthma control in a clinical setting.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving this interaction.
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