Impact of obesity on pulmonary function: current understanding and knowledge gaps
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Intermountain Medical Center, Murray.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|January 4, 2021
Summary
Obesity significantly impacts lung function, causing respiratory symptoms and increasing cardiorespiratory disease risk. Mechanical and metabolic factors, particularly central obesity, worsen lung function tests like expiratory reserve volume.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cardiorespiratory Health
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obesity is a growing global public health issue.
- It is linked to respiratory symptoms and cardiorespiratory diseases.
- Understanding its impact on lung function is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of obesity on common lung function tests.
- To explore the mechanisms behind these effects.
- To highlight the public health implications of obesity on respiratory health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on obesity and lung function.
- Analysis of how Body Mass Index (BMI) and adipose tissue distribution affect lung function.
- Examination of effects on spirometry, lung volumes, and gas exchange.
Main Results:
- Obesity decreases expiratory reserve volume and functional residual capacity.
- Central obesity shows more pronounced lung function abnormalities.
- Decreased total respiratory system compliance and impaired oxygenation are observed.
- Effects on total lung capacity and spirometry are minimal except in severe obesity.
Conclusions:
- Obesity significantly alters lung function through mechanical and metabolic pathways.
- Further research is needed to differentiate the roles of mechanical compression versus inflammatory cytokines from adipose tissue.
- Addressing obesity is vital for improving respiratory and overall cardiorespiratory health.
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