More Pounds, Worse Asthma?

In a word, YES.  A new study finds that obese people are significantly more likely to have persistent or severe persistent asthma than their thinner counterparts. The risk is said to be as much as 50 percent higher. The research, with data from the National Asthma Survey, was presented at the American Thoracic Society 2007 International Conference.

So which comes first, the fat or the wheeze? Most have presumed that the asthma comes first, limiting activity, making it difficult to exercise, leading to obesity. Or does the obesity come first?  Obesity makes it harder to breathe. Because of the extra fat, the respiratory muscles have to work harder to move air in and out. Some researchers think that excess fat can compress the airways and make them more reactive to cold air, viral and other asthma triggers.

Still others believe that asthma should be added to the long list of diseases, including diabetes, sleep apnea, stroke, cardiovascular illness, and arthritis for which excess weight is a risk factor.

And because two-thirds of the U/S. population are now thought to be obese or overweight, that means millions more Americans may be at risk of developing asthma than was previously thought.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, “There is no doubt that asthma and obesity are serious chronic illnesses.  If you suffer from both, studies suggest that exercise and weight reduction programs along with a good asthma control plan can help improve your quality of life. Don’t use your asthma as an excuse to be inactive.  Get fit! Your asthma may benefit.” Talk with your allergist about how to do this.

Click here for more.

Back to Asthma Contents.

Back to Home Page.