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Original Research | Medicine | Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026 | Pages: 1599 - 1602 | India
Correlation Between Obesity and Lung Function: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract: Background: Obesity globally impacts respiratory mechanics and increases obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk, particularly in Asian Indians who develop metabolic risks at lower BMI thresholds. This prospective cross-sectional study aimed to correlate obesity severity with pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters and OSA risk. Aim: To determine the correlation between obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) and pulmonary function test values. Methods: Conducted at Sri Siddhartha Medical College, the study included 36 adults (18-60 years) with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Participants underwent spirometry and STOP-BANG questionnaire screening. Results: Results indicated a predominantly restrictive ventilatory defect, with a mean pre-bronchodilator Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) of 75.4% and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) of 78.9% of predicted values, alongside a preserved FEV1/FVC ratio (82.3%). BMI demonstrated a strong negative dose-dependent correlation with FVC% (r = -0.72, P < 0.001) and FEV1% (r = -0.61, P < 0.001). The 36.1% of participants categorized as high-risk for OSA exhibited significantly lower FVC% compared to low-risk subjects (65.7% vs. 84.1%, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Obesity causes a measurable restrictive impairment of lung volumes and exacerbates OSA risk. Early spirometric and clinical screening in obese individuals is essential to identify functional impairment and prevent progressive respiratory morbidity.
Keywords: Obesity, Spirometry, Sleep Apnea Syndromes, Body Mass Index, Respiratory Function Tests
How to Cite?: Dr. Harigovind P, Dr. Bhavya Shivalingaiah, "Correlation Between Obesity and Lung Function: A Cross-Sectional Study", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1599-1602, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26525001242, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26525001242