Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Does Weight Loss Impact Voice Quality in Obese Individuals?
Erdi Özdemir1, Ahmet Arslanoğlu1, Kayra Göktaş2
1Private Practice.
Background:
Obesity causes changes in the vocal tract.
Aims And Objectives:
To investigate the impact of obesity and weight loss on voice.
Methods:
The study involved 12 obese and 8 nonobese participants. Weight, body mass index, and body fat percentage were assessed. Voice parameters were measured, including maximum phonation time, fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, shimmer, and the noise-to-harmonics ratio. The Voice Handicap Index-10 was utilized for self-assessment. After 3 months, voice parameters were reassessed, and the changes were correlated with body mass index.
Results:
The obese group demonstrated significant weight loss and decreased body fat percentage. Maximum phonation time was lower in the obese group but increased after weight loss. F0 did not differ between groups at baseline but increased in the obese group following weight loss. Jitter values were similar between groups but decreased in the obese group. Shimmer was higher in the obese group at both baseline and follow-up, but it showed a significant decrease. Voice handicap index-10 scores were significantly higher in the obese group and decreased markedly.
Conclusions:
Obesity is linked to changes in MPT and disturbance. Dietary intervention leads to enhancements.
Significance:
This is the first study evaluating the effect of losing weight with diet on voice.
Related Concept Videos
Obesity
Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...

