Muscle-to-Fat Ratio and Lung Function
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Eunwoo, Leem Ah Young, Jung Ji Ye, Kim Young Sam, Park Youngmok
Primary Institution: Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Hypothesis
The study investigates the longitudinal association between muscle-to-fat ratio and lung function among middle-aged individuals in the general population.
Conclusion
Long-term changes in the muscle-to-fat ratio are related to lung function deterioration and the incidence of airflow obstruction in the middle-aged general population.
Supporting Evidence
- An increase in muscle-to-fat ratio is associated with improved lung function measures.
- Participants with a higher muscle-to-fat ratio experienced less lung function decline over time.
- An increase in muscle-to-fat ratio decreased the risk of airflow obstruction.
Takeaway
If you have more muscle and less fat, your lungs work better as you get older.
Methodology
Participants were enrolled from a community-based prospective cohort, and lung function was assessed biannually via spirometry and body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential underdiagnosis of airflow obstruction and lack of dietary habit data.
Limitations
Airflow obstruction was defined solely based on pulmonary function tests without considering symptoms, and the causality between muscle-to-fat ratio and lung function remains unclear.
Participant Demographics
Middle-aged individuals, aged 40-69, with 45.8% men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 0.68–0.87 for men; 95% CI, 0.74–0.97 for non-smoking women
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website