Body composition and respiratory outcomes in children: a population-based prospective cohort study

Body composition might influence lung function and asthma in children, but its longitudinal relations are unclear. We aimed to identify critical periods for body composition changes during childhood and adolescence in relation to respiratory outcomes in adolescents.

In a population-based prospective cohort study, we measured body mass index, fat mass index (FMI), lean mass index (LMI) and the ratio of android fat mass divided by gynoid fat mass (A/G ratio) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at 6, 10 and 13 years. At 13 years, lung function was measured by spirometry, and current asthma was assessed by questionnaire.

Most prominently and consistently, higher FMI and A/G ratio at age 13 years were associated with lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁)/forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory flow after exhaling 75% of FVC (FEF₇₅) (range Z-score difference -0.13 (95% CI -0.16 to -0.10) to -0.08 (95% CI -0.11 to -0.05) per SD score increase), and higher LMI at all ages was associated with higher FEF₇₅ (range Z-score difference 0.05 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.08) to 0.09 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.13)). Between the ages of 6 and 13 years, normal to high FMI and A/G ratio were associated with lower FEV₁/FVC and FEF₇₅ (range Z-score difference -0.20 (95% CI -0.30 to -0.10) to -0.17 (95% CI -0.28 to -0.06)) and high to high LMI with higher FEF₇₅ (range Z-score difference0.32 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.41)). Body composition changes were not associated with asthma.

Adolescents with higher total and abdominal fat indices may have impaired lung function, while those with a higher lean mass during childhood and adolescence may have better small airway function. Public health measures should focus on a healthy body composition in adolescents to minimise respiratory morbidity.