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The effect of body fat distribution on pulmonary function tests
L C Collins1, P D Hoberty, J F Walker
1Division of Respiratory and Environmental Medicine; University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY, USA.
Chest
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Body fat distribution, particularly upper body fat, is linked to reduced lung function in men. Measures like biceps skinfold thickness and waist-to-hip ratio correlate with lower total lung capacity and vital lung volumes.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Anthropometry
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obesity's impact on pulmonary function is known, but body fat distribution's role is understudied.
- Previous research suggests upper body obesity may more severely affect lung volumes than lower body obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of body fat distribution on pulmonary function tests in healthy, normal to mildly obese men.
- To identify specific anthropometric measures associated with lung function changes.
Main Methods:
- Studied 42 healthy men with normal or mild obesity.
- Assessed pulmonary function using spirometry and static lung volumes.
- Correlated various adiposity measures, including waist-to-hip ratio and biceps skinfold thickness, with lung function parameters.
Main Results:
- Multiple adiposity measures showed an inverse relationship with spirometry and static lung volumes.
- Biceps skinfold thickness had the strongest inverse correlation with total lung capacity (TLC).
- Upper body fat distribution (waist-to-hip ratio ≥ 0.950) was associated with significantly lower forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and TLC compared to lower body fat distribution.
Conclusions:
- Upper body fat distribution may be associated with modest impairment of lung volumes in normal and mildly obese men.
- Biceps skinfold thickness is a significant predictor for residual volume (RV) and TLC.
- Caution is advised when using standard pulmonary function test prediction equations in anthropometrically diverse populations, pending further research on larger, diverse groups and women.