Relationship of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate with Waist Circumference, Hip Circumference, and Waist-to-Hip Ratio in Young Adults

Abstract

Introduction It has been observed that respiratory problems and the consequent pulmonary dysfunction are associated with an increase in waist circumference (WC), a measure of obesity. Both comorbidities result in changes in the overall health, quality of life, and life span. The literature shows that body fat distribution can affect pulmonary function. Pulmonary function test (PFT) is a basic and essential tool for the diagnosis and assessment of pulmonary dysfunction, lung diseases, and treatment effects. However, the facilities to measure PFT are not readily available for individual use. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is a simple and important biomarker that can measure the pulmonary function and can help monitor lung function to initiate early preventive measure. PEFR can be measured by a portable device, which can be carried anytime anywhere. Using this portable instrument, this study was undertaken to investigate whether there is any relationship of PEFR with the biomarkers of obesity, such as WC, hip circumference (HC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in young adults. Materials and Methods A total of 84 participants of either sex (38 males and 46 females) aged 20 to 26 years were recruited from a college of South Delhi. Demographic and anthropometric data regarding WC, HC, and WHR were recorded. For PEFR, three consecutive measurements were taken at about 2-minute intervals, and the maximum of the three values was taken into account. Results Though not statistically significant, but a tendency of negative correlation was observed between PEFR and WC (r = –0.43) and between PEFR and WHR (r = –0.48) in males. However, no significant correlation of PEFR with any of the obesity markers was found in females. No correlation was observed between PEFR and HC in the participants of either sex. Conclusion PEFR may be adversely affected with increase in WC and WHR, as seen in males. However, no association was observed between PEFR and HC in participants of either sex.

Correlation Between Peak Expiratory Flow Rate, Markers of Adiposity, and Anthropometric Measures in Medical Students in Pakistan

“…A positive correlation was found between the waist to hip ratio (WHR) and PEFR (p<0.01) when the combined data were studied, however, no correlation was found in the data categorized for genders. This finding is in contrast with a previous study [ 17 ], which suggested that WHR and WC affect the PEFR in males but not in females, and other anthropometric measures such as height do not affect it. We believe our work supersedes this study, as we have conducted a more thorough statistical analysis.…”

Impacts of adiposity parameters on peak expiratory flow rate in healthy young adults of Bahria University Medical and Dental College Karachi: cross-sectional study

“…BW and BMI are best indicators of overall adiposity, whereas PBF, WC and WHR are the measures of central obesity and indicate adverse outcomes of cardiorespiratory morbidity. 17 In the current study, a statistically significant positive association was seen between PEFR and BH, which is in line with studies conducted in Pakistan and Malaysia. 8,18 The most probable reason for higher PEFR in taller subjects might be because of the greater chest diameter, more development of the airways and expiratory muscles.…”

“…24 The current results are also in line with another Indian study which reported negative association of PEFR values with WHR in the male gender only, but the finding was not consistent for the female gender. 17 Interestingly, when the aforementioned study analysed the combined data for both genders simultaneously, it found positive relation of PEFR with WHR. 17 The current findings revealed significant positive association of PEFR with WC, which was reported earlier by an Indian study 17 .…”

“…17 Interestingly, when the aforementioned study analysed the combined data for both genders simultaneously, it found positive relation of PEFR with WHR. 17 The current findings revealed significant positive association of PEFR with WC, which was reported earlier by an Indian study 17 . Moreover the earlier study also documented a negative association of WC with PEFR only in males, but not in females, on analysing the data separately for the two genders.…”

“…Moreover the earlier study also documented a negative association of WC with PEFR only in males, but not in females, on analysing the data separately for the two genders. 17 That is because of the fact that in females fat deposits more around the hip region, whereas in males the adiposity is usually developed in the abdominal region. Over-deposition of fat in the abdomen and thorax may limit the diaphragmatic activity and reduce the pulmonary…”