Asthma and Obesity- Is there a connection?

                                                 Non Allergic Asthma is Linked to Obesity-

Although there are already a thousand reasons to lose weight, such as risk for diabetes and premature death, a  study published in the Medical Journal Chest, has given another.  The more obese a person is, the higher their risk for asthma.  Obesity is defined as a body mass index greater than 30. (Click here to calculate your BMI). An increased BMI, especially above 40,  is also associated with a significant increase in  risk of death, diabetes, high blood pressure and other horrible diseases. Therefore, in addition to asthma  medical therapy with inhalers, nebulizers, air purifers and allergy avoidance, weight loss can also play a crucial role. The study went on to show:

If BMI increased by just 1 point (see below).

• Women without allergies- 7.1% increased risk of asthma
• Women with allergies- 4% increased risk of asthma
• Men  without allergies- 3.4% increased risk of asthma
• Men with allergies-  2.4% increased risk of asthma

Real life example:   Woman  #1  is  5′5″ ft. tall /220 lbs. and has a  BMI of 36.6 (Obese),  Women #2  is  150  lbs/ 5′5″ and has a BMI of  25 (Normal).   These 2 woman have a BMI difference of 11.   11 x 7.1 = 77.7% . Therefore, women #1  has  almost a 77.7% increased risk of asthma due to her obesity when compared to Woman #2.

BMI Table:

Recommendation: Weight loss and exercise are still the recommended therapy for overweight and obesity. Please follow up with your Health Care professional for management and assistance.  Although weight loss can not guarantee your  asthma will go away, it will provide numerous health benfits.