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Effects of Body Weight on Middle Ear Disease

Caroline L Cole1, Zahra N Sayyid1, Bryan K Ward1

  • 1The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Levi Watkins Jr., M.D. Outpatient Center, 601 N Caroline Street, Floor 6, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.

Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America
|July 30, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Obesity impacts middle ear health, increasing risks for children and adults. Weight changes, influenced by factors like obesity and new medications, necessitate patient counseling regarding middle ear effects.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Rising global obesity rates present significant public health challenges.
  • Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists are increasingly prescribed, potentially leading to substantial weight loss.
  • Understanding the relationship between body weight and middle ear conditions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing literature on the association between body weight and middle ear diseases.
  • To highlight the impact of pediatric and adult obesity on middle ear health.
  • To inform clinical counseling regarding weight fluctuations and otologic conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search of medical databases.
  • Analysis of studies investigating body weight, obesity, and middle ear pathologies.
  • Synthesis of findings related to otitis media with effusion, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, encephaloceles, and Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Main Results:

  • Pediatric obesity is linked to higher incidence and recurrence of otitis media with effusion.
  • Adult obesity correlates with increased risk of temporal bone cerebrospinal fluid leak and encephalocele.
  • Weight loss, particularly rapid, can precipitate symptoms of patulous Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • Body weight is a significant factor influencing various middle ear conditions.
  • Clinicians must counsel patients on the otologic implications of obesity and weight changes.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate mechanisms and optimize management strategies.

Keywords:
Cerebrospinal fluid leakMiddle ear effusionObesityOtitis mediaPatulous eustachian tubeTemporal bone encephaloceleWeight

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