Mohammed Jeelani1, Mohammad Muzammil Ahmed2
INTRODUCTION: Impaired respiratory function is associated with morbidity and mortality. Poor respiratory function predicts overall mortality, as well as death due to cancer, pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Obesity is also associated with morbidity and mortality. It is global health hazard and has been linked to numerous metabolic complications such as dyslipidemia, type II diabetes and cardio vascular diseases and is negatively associated to the pulmonary function. The mechanism for this association is still debated and the best marker of adiposity in relation to dynamic pulmonary function is still not clear. Therefore the purpose of the study is to determine pulmonary test in relation to abdominal obesity in adult males.
Aims and OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictability of Body mass index (BMI), Waist- hip ratio (WHR), and Body fat percentage for pulmonary functions in adult males with and without excess body weight.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Study consists of 100 males in age group of 18 -21 years with body mass index (BMI) 18.5 to 29.9 kg/m2, physically healthy, without any symptoms. Their height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were measured The percentage of body fat was estimated by measuring skin fold thickness at four sites (4SFT-biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac) with the help of Harpenden’s calliper. The pulmonary functions were assessed using Power lab 8/30 series with dual bio Amp/stimulator, manufactured by AD instruments, Australia. All data was presented as a mean ± SD for each of the parameter. The two groups were compared by applying unpaired ‘t’ test and P value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Correlation of ventilatory lung function tests with body fat percentage was done by using Pearson’s correlation coefficient test.
RESULTS: body fat % showed negative correlation with expiratory reserve volume (ERV), forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum ventilatory volume (MVV), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume at the end of first second (FEV1).
CONCLUSION: These results indicate that increase in percentage of body fat and central pattern of fat distribution may affect the pulmonary function tests.
