How Body Weight Affects Lung Function in Young Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Thyagarajan Bharat, Jacobs David R Jr, Apostol George G, Smith Lewis J, Jensen Robert L, Crapo Robert O, Barr R Graham, Lewis Cora E, Williams O Dale
Primary Institution: University of Minnesota
Hypothesis
Greater BMI during young adulthood is inversely related to lung function measures later in life.
Conclusion
Increasing BMI in initially thin participants was associated with stable lung function, while higher BMI led to significant lung function losses.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants with low baseline BMI showed increases in lung function over 10 years.
- Higher baseline BMI was associated with significant declines in lung function.
- Weight gain negatively impacted lung function in heavier individuals.
Takeaway
If you're thin and gain a little weight, your lungs might stay healthy, but if you're already heavy and gain more weight, your lungs can get worse.
Methodology
The study followed participants from the CARDIA study over 10 years, measuring lung function and BMI at multiple time points.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to loss of follow-up, though baseline characteristics were similar between those lost and those retained.
Limitations
The study may have biases common to longitudinal studies, such as loss to follow-up, although retention was high.
Participant Demographics
Participants were black and white men and women aged 18-30 at baseline, with a mix of education levels.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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