Influence of Obesity on Work Ability, Respiratory Symptoms, and Lung Function in Adults with Asthma

Abstract

Background: Asthma is defined by variable respiratory symptoms and lung function, and may influence work ability. Similarly, obesity may contribute to respiratory symptoms, affect lung function and reduce work ability. Thus, assessment of the influence of obesity on work ability, respiratory symptoms and lung function in adults with asthma is needed. Objectives: We hypothesized that patients with obesity and asthma have more respiratory symptoms and reduced work ability and lung function compared with normal-weight patients with asthma. Methods: We examined 626 participants with physician-diagnosed asthma aged 18-52 years, recruited from a cross-sectional general population study, using a comprehensive questionnaire including work ability score, Asthma Control Test (ACT), height and weight, and spirometry with reversibility testing. Results: Participants with a body mass index (BMI)  30 kg/m 2 (i.e., obese) had a higher symptom score (odds ratio 1.78, 95% confidence interval 1.14-2.80), current use of asthma medication (1.60, 1.05-2.46) and incidence of ACT scores 19 (poor control), (1.81, 1.03-3.18) than participants with BMI  24.9 kg/m 2 (i.e. normal weight). Post-bronchodilator forced vital capacity as a percentage of predicted (FVC %) (-coefficient-4.5) and pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second as a percentage of predicted (FEV1%) (-coefficient-4.6) were associated with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2. We found no statistically significant association of BMI > 30 kg/m 2 (compared to BMI < 24.9 kg/m 2) with sick leave (1.21, 0.75-1.70) or reduced work ability (1.23, 0.74-2.04). Conclusions: There were indications that patients with obesity had a higher symptom burden, poorer asthma control, higher consumption of asthma medication and reduced lung function, in particular for FVC, compared with normal-weight patients.

Association Between Obesity and Sarcoidosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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Nonlinear relationship between visceral adiposity index and lung function: a population-based study

“…Most previous studies have suggested an inverse relationship between obesity and changes in lung function [ 13 , 16 ]. However, it is essential to note that most studies have only compared lung function in overweight or obese people with average weight [ 14 , 16 , 20 ], ignoring the possible effects of low body fat on lung function. Of course, we know that obesity is a severe problem in the world today.…”

Obesity and the Lung: What We Know Today

“…Another explanation could be that airway narrowing and closure caused by obesity impede delivery of inhaled medications to the small airways [5]. Asthma patients with BMI >30 kg/m 2 have a higher symptom score which was reflected in reduced spirometry results but did not lead to reduced work ability as Klepaker et al [75] showed.…”