Obese Individuals are More Likely to Develop Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Study

Individuals who are overweight have increased possibility of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to a study.

German scientists at the University of Regensburg found men and women with excess body weight and flabby waist have high risk of suffering from serious lung diseases categorized by increased production of sputum, breathlessness and cough resulting from suffocation in the airway. The condition, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is the third most common cause of death in the U.S., suggests the American Lung Association.

The study looked at health data of 113,000 people aged between 50 and 70 who did not suffer from a history of heart problems, cancer or respiratory infections. The participants' waist, body measurements, smoking habits and exposure to air pollution were recorded. After ten years, nearly 3,600 individuals developed COPD, reports the Health Day News.

It was observed the likelihood of COPD was 72 percent more for women whose waist circumference was more than 43 inches and for men with over 46 inches. The results were uniform for participants irrespective of whether they smoked or not. The study explained obese individuals often experience shortness of breath while performing physically exhaustive tasks and movements. This can translate in to serious respiratory discomfort leading to COPD.

"It is already known that COPD may be prevented by avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution and occupational dust damaging the lungs. But maintaining a normal waist circumference and recommended levels of physical activity may also decrease the risk of COPD," said Gundula Behrens, study author and researcher at the department of epidemiology and preventive medicine at the University of Regensburg, reports the Health Day News.

In addition, the researchers also noted underweight participants had 56 percent higher susceptibility to COPD as a result of inflammation, lesser muscle mass, inadequate nutrition and poor lung capacity to recuperate wear and tear.

The authors stress on the need to adopt healthy living habits like regular exercising and cutting down on tobacco to curb the chances of lung diseases.

The research is available in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.