CORRELATION OF OBESITY AND PULMONARY FUNCTIONS IN PUNJABI ADULTS

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary function tests are getting increased favour not only of industrial physiologists but also of practicing physicians. Obesity is a major health concern facing today’s society. This study has looked into a possible role of obesity in the aetiology of mortality, with decreased pulmonary functions resulting in cardiovascular disease. Methods: Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) of normal healthy non-obese males and females of Punjabi population in age group ranging 26–45 years were performed on a spirometer and compared with obese males and females of the same age group. All tests were performed at the same time of the day in all subjects. Criteria taken for obesity in our study was according to WHO criteria of BMI. Results: There was significant decline in FVC, FEV₁, and MVV and insignificant rise in FEV₁/FVC among obese males when compared to non-obese males of the same age group. There was significant decline in FVC, MVV and significant rise in FEV₁/FVC among obese females when compared to non-obese females of the particular age group but insignificant decline in FEV₁ was observed in the same age group. Conclusions: There is decline of various spirometric values in obesity.