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Allergy & Asthma Advocate: Summer 2004
Studies link asthma and childhood obesity The rise in obesity has been attributed to the corresponding rise in the number of people living a more sedentary lifestyle and practicing poor eating habits. The rise in the prevalence of asthma is thought to be related to increased time spent indoors, which includes prolonged exposure to dust mites, pets and mold, as well as sedentary lifestyles. Since some of the risk factors for asthma and obesity appear to be related, there have been a number of studies done to assess whether there is a genetic link between the two conditions. Several studies have shown a strong association between body mass index, a measure of height/weight ratio, and risk for developing asthma. One study by a group of German researchers found a strong relationship between obesity and asthma, but no similar relationship between obesity and allergies. The researchers speculated that the connection between obesity and asthma, rather than being genetic, was physical. Specifically, they believed that the increased physical work done by the lungs of an overweight individual was the basis for the connection between the two conditions. Other risk factors associated with obesity, such as a lack of adequate exercise, may also facilitate the development of asthma. The deep breathing that occurs during exercise stretches out and opens up the passageways deep inside of the lungs, which has a positive affect on protecting against the effects of asthma. Unfortunately, many of the factors that influence the development of both asthma and obesity are interrelated and/or contribute to the effects of one another. For example, uncontrolled asthma and other respiratory problems impair physical activity, while lack of physical activity in turn affects the body’s ability to protect against the effects of asthma. In addition, children who are less active because of their breathing difficulties are more likely to spend greater amounts of time indoors, participating in activities that burn less calories, and therefore putting themselves at higher risk for becoming obese. Another characteristic associated with obesity that plays a role in the treatment of asthma is depression. Children and adolescents who are obese tend to have problems with poor self-image, and low self-esteem, which can lead to depression. Depression, in turn, tends to lead to poor compliance with medications, which complicates the treatment of asthma, since it is a chronic illness that requires daily medications for adequate control. Again, both depression and the effects of untreated asthma have an adverse effect on a child’s level of physical activity, further perpetuating the cycle. The debate over whether or not a direct link exists between asthma and obesity continues to be studied. While the results have been inconclusive to this point, it cannot be denied that both conditions are on the rise among children, and too many sedentary activities, such as video games and watching television, are definite risk factors for both issues.
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In recent decades, we have seen an increase in the prevalence of both asthma and obesity, especially in more affluent societies. There have been many studies done to determine whether or not there is a link between these two conditions.