A Canadian study showed that weight loss reduced asthma severity, which was measured by airway hyper-responsiveness, in obese adults. According to a news release from the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), the incidence of asthma is 1.47 times higher in obese people than non-obese people, and a three-unit increase in body mass index is associated with a 35% increase in the risk of asthma. As such, this study supports the active treatment of comorbid obesity in patients with asthma.
The ACCP news release notes that this study, which is the first of its kind to rely on proper physiologic tests as diagnostic criteria for asthma, found normalization or improvements in asthma control, AHR, and quality of life.
Smita Pakhale, MD, states, “While previous studies have examined the relationship between asthma severity and obesity, this study is unique because of its strict adherence to an accurate diagnostic criteria and study outcome (AHR), resulting in purer results to support weight loss as a strategy to normalize or reverse asthma in this group of people hit very hard by the condition.”
Pakhale adds, “We were pleased to see significant improvement in asthma symptoms, as well as quality of life for these individuals. This study further supports the need to manage comorbidities to improve patient lives.”
Source: American College of Chest Physicians
