Impact of obesity on pulmonary function: current understanding and knowledge gaps

Obesity is an increasing world-wide public health concern. Obesity both causes respiratory symptoms and contributes to many cardiorespiratory diseases. The effects of obesity on commonly used lung function tests are reviewed.

The effects of obesity on lung function are attributed both to mechanical factors and to complex metabolic effects that contribute to a pro-inflammatory state. The effects of obesity on lung function correlate with BMI and correlate even better when the distribution of excess adipose tissue is taken into account, with central obesity associated with more prominent abnormalities. Obesity is associated with marked decreases in expiratory reserve volume and functional residual capacity. Total lung capacity, residual volume, and spirometry are less affected by obesity and are generally within the normal range except with severe obesity. Obesity decreases total respiratory system compliance primarily because of decreased lung compliance, with only mild effects on chest wall compliance. Obesity is associated with impaired gas transfer with decreases in oxygenation and varied but usually mild effects on diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, while the carbon monoxide transfer coefficient is often increased.

Obesity has significant effects on lung function. The relative contribution of the mechanical effects of obesity and the production of inflammatory cytokines by adipose tissue on lung function needs further study.