HOW OBESITY EFFECTS ASTHMA
The CDC reports that 38 percent of adults in the United States are obese, defined as a BMI of 30 or higher. People in this category, especially women, have a much higher risk of developing asthma. The reasons for this are not entirely understood, but studies show that inflammatory substances in fat tissue can affect the lungs and may also affect asthma. Obese asthma patients have more symptoms and use more medications than lower-weight patients. They also don’t respond as well to asthma medications. People who have both obesity and asthma also have more additional medical conditions that affect asthma, especially obstructive sleep apnea. Obese asthma patients have difficulties exercising, but daily walks can improve both weight and lung capacity.
P.S. Obese asthma patients are advised to eat a diet low in fat due to the role that fat tissue plays in inflammation.
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