The recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal shows that fats get deposited in the airwalls of lungs. The accumulation of fat in airwalls can cause artery plague leading to clogging vessels and cardiac arrest. This has also raised the concern of a higher risk to develop asthma.
Researchers are exploring in the field of health management to deal with the issues. The upcoming international conference will also discuss and present the latest advancements in the field of obesity and diet management.
The 21st century is observing an increase in the number of the obese population mainly due to changes in eating patterns and the adoption of a sedentary lifestyle. The increasing population with obesity is of growing concern raising the complications of health diseases, thus reducing the lifespan of humans. The diseases vary from diabetes, cardiovascular problems to death, causing cancers.
Under the microscope
Earlier it was known that obesity could cause asthma and lung-related issues, but there was no clear understanding. Hence, researchers have undergone a study by examining the lung tissue of 52 people. Of which 16 people had died due to asthma, 21 people diagnosed with asthma but died due to other reasons and 15 people didn’t have asthma.
The researchers used dyes and tissue samples to analyze more than 1300 airways through a microscope to find if there any fatty tissue present and compared with the Body Mass Index(BMI) of each individual. It was found that the size of fatty tissue increases with increasing BMI.
The researchers claimed that fatty tissue deposits could cause inflammation in the lungs activating symptoms of asthma-like wheezing. Past studies by several researchers also suggest that excess weight can have direct pressure on the lungs.
Also, the surplus weight surrounding the chest and abdomen can compress the lungs making it harder to breathe.
According to the World Population Review, the global obesity rate has tripled since 1975. More than 3 million people die due to obesity. Approximately 30% of the world population is obese, and it continues to grow.
Way ahead
Hopes are now revived to study further the relationship between asthma and obesity. Many researchers are finding ways to alter respiratory symptoms and also if weight loss can reverse the effects.
The earlier study suggests that losing more than 5 percent of weight improves the breathing function and quality of life of obese people with asthma. Exercise is an effective way to manage weight and also results in improving the symptoms of asthma such as wheezing, coughing and gasping for breath.
Exercise nurtures lung power, thus reducing breathlessness and also improves the immune system that confronts colds and viruses. Diet also plays an important role in weight loss. Avoiding allergy-triggering food that includes sulfite and sodium can prevent asthma symptoms. The intake of vitamin D will boost the immune system and also reduces airway inflammation. As it is said, “the more kilos, the harder it gets.”