Effects of Obesity and Spirometric Ventilatory Status in Male Medical Students of Amritsar

Abstract

Aim and objective: To study the effects of obesity on the pulmonary functions in male medical students of Amritsar . Materials and methods: Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) of normal, healthy, male medical students of Amritsar were determined and were compared and correlated with other studies. Criteria for obesity in our study taken were according to WHO criteria of BMI. The PFTs were carried out with a computerized spirometer "Med-Spiror". The data were collected; compiled, statistically analyzed, and valid conclusions were drawn. Higher lung volumes and flow rates were achieved. Results: There was a statistically highly significant decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) in obese when compared with nonobese groups. The values of forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV 1 ) in both groups when were compared showed significant changes. The ratio of FEV1/ FVC, the values of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25-75% ) showed insignificant changes but maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) when were compared showed highly significant changes. Conclusion:There is a decline of various respiratory functions in obesity. The cause of the decline of various respiratory functions in obesity may be due to a decrease in distensibility of the chest wall or limited expansion of the thoracic cavity and is the cause for reduced ventilatory volumes and total lung capacity.