Correlation of body mass index with peak expiratory flow rate and vital capacity in adults in Garhwal region

Abstract

Background: Spirometry and PEFR are the most fundamental pulmonary function parameters. In respiratory medicine, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are vital. These tests are now more usually applied in the investigation of respiratory disorders because they provide reliable information the state of a person's respiratory system. Aim & Objectives: To know the body mass index based variation in respiratory functions in healthy young adults. Materials & Methods: The research was conducted on 140 MBBS students between the age of 18-25 years old. Physical examination including height, weight, Body Surface Area, Vital Capacity, and PEFR measured and BMI calculated. Results: In obese people, the study showed a partial negative association between BMI and PEFR. In obese adults, PEFR was considerably the lower than in non-obese adults. In our study, there was a statistically significant difference in PEFR between males and females. Conclusion: Obese subjects had a lower vital capacity and PEFR than normal subjects, indicating that obesity was associated with an increase in BMI.