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Updated: Jul 26, 2025
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Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns
Published on: September 16, 2019
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Increased Abdominal Perimeter Differently Affects Respiratory Function in Men and Women
Joana F Sacramento1, Iolanda Caires1, Maria P Guarino2
1iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|June 15, 2023
Summary
Obesity impacts breathing differently in men and women. Higher abdominal fat, not just body mass index (BMI), alters respiratory function, decreasing tidal volume in obese women and increasing it in obese men.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Pulmonology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obesity is a global health crisis linked to cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary diseases.
- Increased body weight can negatively affect the respiratory system through fat deposition and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex-based differences in basal ventilation related to obesity and abdominal circumference.
- To determine if body mass index (BMI) or abdominal circumference is a stronger predictor of respiratory changes.
Main Methods:
- Studied 35 overweight and obese adults (23 women, 12 men) aged 61-67.
- Assessed basal ventilation parameters: respiratory frequency, tidal volume, and minute ventilation.
- Classified subjects by BMI and abdominal circumference.
Main Results:
- Obese women showed decreased tidal volume, unlike normal/overweight women.
- Men (overweight/obese) showed no significant changes in basal ventilation by BMI.
- High abdominal circumference decreased tidal volume and minute ventilation in women, but increased them in men.
Conclusions:
- Higher abdominal circumference, more than BMI, is linked to altered basal ventilation in both sexes.
- Sex-specific responses to abdominal obesity highlight the importance of regional fat distribution in respiratory health.
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