A Strong Graded Relationship between Level of Obesity and COPD: Findings from a National Population-Based Study of Lifelong Nonsmokers

Abstract

Factors associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among never-smokers have received little research attention. One potential risk factor for COPD is obesity, which is of particular importance in light of the global obesity epidemic. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between COPD and levels of obesity in a nationally representative sample of non-Hispanic white never-smokers. Data were drawn from the 2012 Center for Disease Control's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Pearson's chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted in a large nationally representative sample of non-Hispanic white respondents aged 50 and over (76,004 women; 37,618 men) who reported that they had never smoked. A dose-response relationship was observed for both men and women: the prevalence of COPD increased from 2.5% in men and 3.5% in women who were of a healthy weight (BMI < 25) to 7.6% in men and 13.4% in women who had a BMI of 40 or higher. Even after adjusting for 7 potential confounds (e.g., age, education, and income), the odds of COPD were 3.21 higher for men (95% CI = 2.46, 4.20) and 4.00 higher for women with class III obesity (95% CI = 3.52, 4.55) in comparison with those of healthy weight. Regular screening for COPD is warranted in never-smoking obese patients who are aged 50 and over. Future research is needed to investigate plausible mechanisms for this association, including (1) the role of chronic inflammation associated with obesity and (2) the impact of central obesity on respiratory system mechanics.

Weight Gain After Smoking Cessation and Risk of Major Chronic Diseases and Mortality

“…Excess weight is an established risk factor for several health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), some cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), and mortality. 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 In a study including more than 10 million participants from 239 prospective studies, all-cause mortality was minimal for persons with BMI between 20 and 25; however, each 5-unit increase in BMI above 25 was associated with a 49%, 38%, and 19% higher risk of CVD, respiratory disease, and cancer mortality, respectively. 13 Another study based on data from 12 European cohort studies found that each 5-unit increase in BMI was associated with an increase in CVD mortality of 34% in men and 29% in women.…”

Is Obesity a Risk Factor in COVID-19 Pandemic?

“…82 Beden Kitle İndeksi artışının KOAH, astım ve obstrüktif uyku apnesi riski ile ilişkili olması, obezitenin respiratuar hastalıklardaki anahtar rolünü doğrulamaktadır. [83][84][85] Respiratuar hastalıklar ile obezite arasındaki ilişkide muhtemel mekanizmanın aşırı enerji alımı ile asetil-KoA karboksilaz enzim aktivasyonuna bağlı Th17 farklılaşması ve Th17/Treg oranının artması olduğu düşünülmektedir. 36,37,86 Viral pnömoni ve sekonder bakteriyel enfeksiyonlarının akut akciğer hasarı, ARDS ve nihayetinde ölüme yol açabileceği önceki çalışmalarda belirtilmiştir.…”

Felines Asthma und chronische Bronchitis – Übersicht zu Diagnostik und Therapie

“…In manchen Studien waren Siamkatzen häufiger von Bronchialerkrankungen betroffen als andere Rassen [15] [16] [17]. In der Humanmedizin wurden für beide Krankheitsbilder Rauchen und Adipositas als Risikofaktoren beschrieben [18] [19]. Beim humanen Asthma ließen sich außerdem genetische Faktoren nachweisen [20].…”