The effect of obesity, weight gain, and weight loss on asthma inception and control

Abstract

Purpose of the review There is ample and growing evidence that obesity increases the risk of asthma and morbidity from asthma. Here we review recent clinical evidence supporting a causal link between obesity and asthma, and the mechanisms that may lead to “obese asthma”. Recent findings While in some children obesity and asthma simply co-occur, those with “obese asthma” have increased asthma severity, lower quality of life, and reduced medication response. Underlying mechanistic pathways may include anatomical changes of the airways such as obstruction and dysanapsis; systemic inflammation; production of adipokines; impaired glucose-insulin metabolism; altered nutrient levels; genetic and epigenetic changes; and alterations in the airway and/or gut microbiome. A few small studies have shown that weight loss interventions may lead to improvements in asthma outcomes, but thus far research on therapeutic interventions for these children has been limited. Summary Obesity increases the risk of asthma –and worsens asthma severity or control– via multiple mechanisms. “Obese asthma” is a complex, multifactorial phenotype in children. Obesity and its complications must be managed as part of the treatment of asthma in obese children.

Health risk behaviors, violence exposure, and current asthma among adolescents in the United States

“…18 Conversely, weight loss results in improvement of asthma-related outcomes. 21 In our study, frequent consumption of regular soda or pop and obesity were independently associated with current asthma. Consumption of sugary beverages (high-calorie, low-nutrient) can cause obesity 22 and has been linked to asthma.…”

“…Meanwhile, obesity is associated with asthma, morbidity from asthma, impaired lung function, and metabolic dysregulation in children and adults . Conversely, weight loss results in improvement of asthma‐related outcomes …”

Higher parental education was associated with better asthma control

“…Nevertheless, despite improved asthma medication, there are still children who carry a heavy burden of asthma morbidity and poor quality of life . Factors that have been shown to affect the severity of asthma include passive smoking, allergic rhinitis and obesity . Allergic rhinitis, passive smoking and asthma triggered by house dust mites or pets are known to impair asthma control .…”

Correlations of severity of asthma in children with body mass index, adiponectin and leptin

“…According to clinical statistics, the number of the obese increases year by year with changes in people's living habit. There are a variety of complications in patients induced by obesity, in which asthma is a major one . Once asthma occurs, it will bring much inconvenience to the patients’ life and work.…”