Obesity is a condition of excessive fat accumulation in the body. A person is said to be obese if he has a BMI (Body Mass Index) of more than 30. Not only does this affect the size of the body, this condition can also affect the health of other organs. As you know, people with obesity have a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.

In some cases, people with obesity also often experience asthma or wheezing. Previously, no one could explain why these symptoms are often found in obese people. However, the latest study published in the European Respiratory Journal can provide the answer. The researchers found that this happened because of fat accumulationson the walls of the respiratory tract of the lungs.

In their study, the researchers analysed the postmortem conditions of the lungs of 52 people. It was known that 16 of them died of asthma, 15 people did not have a history of asthma, while 21 others suffered from asthma but died due to other reasons. To determine the condition of the airways, the researchers put a special colouring agent into the lung tissue. After that, they also correlated the amount of fat found with each individual's BMI.

The result, a buildup of fat found in the lungs can block the flow of air, resulting in inflammation and changes in the structure of the airways. The amount of fat accumulation is also in line with BMI, meaning that the higher the amount of fat found, the BMI also increases. This is the reason why obese people are prone to asthma and wheezing.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Google Search Images

Source(s):

• Elliot, J.G., Donovan, G.M., Wang, K.C.W., et al (2019). Fatty Airways: Implications for Obstructive Disease. European Respiratory Journal, DOI: 10.1183 / 13993003.00857-2019.
• Healthline - Obesity May Lead to Fat in the Lungs (2019). https://www.healthline.com/health-news/being-overweight-may-lead-to-fat-in-the-lungs, 22 October 2019.