Obesity and lung function: a systematic review

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat that is harmful to the individuals. Respiratory disorders are among the comorbidities associated with obesity. This study had the objective of investigating the alterations in respiratory function that affect obese individuals. A systematic review was performed, by selecting publications in the science databases MEDLINE and LILACS, using PubMed and SciELO. The articles that assessed pulmonary function by plethysmography and/or spirometry in obese individuals aged under 18 years were included. The results demonstrated that the obese individuals presented with a reduction in lung volume and capacity as compared to healthy individuals. Reduction of total lung capacity and reduction of forced vital capacity, accompanied by reduction of the forced expiratory volume after one second were the most representative findings in the samples. The articles analyzed proved the presence of a restrictive respiratory pattern associated with obesity.

Effects of obesity on lung volume and capacity in children and adolescents: a systematic review

“…Furthermore, these data suggest that physiological changes increase the risk of atelectasis and hypoxia in obese individuals 2025 A systematic review carried out in the obese adult population also showed reduction of the same plethysmographic variables, with the addition of TLC and VC 15…”

Efeito do treinamento muscular inspiratório em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica: uma revisão sistemática

“…Despite the greater governmental and public health attention over the last decades on dietary and exercise interventions, the proportion of obese population has increased every year 8 . Morbid or severe obese patients frequently develop alterations in body mechanisms, especially in the respiratory system, including interference in the respiratory function, decreased pulmonary volumes and capacities [9][10][11][12][13] mechanical compression of the diaphragm, lungs and of the chest cavity 14 , reduced compliance and increased pulmonary resistance 10,15,16 besides reduced respiratory muscle strength 10,17,18 . Thus, due to chest and abdomen fat excess, the morbid obesity has effects on lung function, which leads to a mechanical disadvantage and influences the strength of respiratory muscles 17 .…”

Alterations in lung functions based on BMI and Body fat % among obese Indian population at National Capital Region

“…Obese individuals are more susceptible to obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, renal diseases, metabolic alterations and neoplasm [18].Some research groups mentioned earlier has studied the role of adiposity on the respiratory functions, however no consensus ever reached on the physical mechanisms leading to respiratory complications [19].Obesity affects the respiratory functions in many ways. The adipose tissue deposited around the rib cage, abdomen and visceral cavity affects work of breathing and reduces the pulmonary functions [20].…”