Excess Weight Interferes With Normal Lung Function. We Will Tell You Exactly How

Excess weight interferes with normal lung function. We will tell you exactly how

Decreased lung function occurs naturally throughout a person's life. But weight gain accelerates this process and increases the risk of chronic lung disease.

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Decreased lung function occurs naturally throughout a person's life. But weight gain accelerates this process and increases the risk of chronic lung disease. This is evidenced by data from a large study published in the journal Thorax.

Scientists at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health analyzed the long-term effects of changes in weight on lung and bronchial health. The study involved 3,700 people aged 20 to 44 from Europe and Australia. From 1991 to 2014, participants were weighed multiple times and their lung function was assessed using a spirometer.

The study showed that against the background of weight gain, lung function decreases not only in overweight and obese people, but even at normal weight. At the same time, weight loss in obesity slowed down the decline in lung function. In addition, people with a stable normal weight throughout adulthood have much less deterioration in airway health.

According to scientists, the link between weight gain and lung health is explained by two mechanisms.

First, "A mass of fat in the abdomen and chest is likely to limit the space for the lungs to expand during inhalation," said Gabriela Prado Peralta, lead author of the study. Second, chronic inflammation associated with excess adipose tissue can damage lung tissue and reduce the diameter of the airways.

“Given the epidemic of overweight and obesity, it is imperative to understand the effect of weight changes on lung function, which is a powerful predictor of morbidity and mortality in the general population. The good news is that the negative effects on lung health of being overweight and obese can be reversed through weight loss. Therefore, a public health policy that promotes healthy lifestyles can be the key to achieving good lung health,”concluded Judith Garcia Aymerich, study leader.