Effect of body mass index on cardiorespiratory parameters among medical students: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a global crisis due to its significant contribution to mortality and morbidity. This study discovered an association between body mass index (BMI) with pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and aerobic capacity (VO₂ max) in medical students of Zydus Medical College and Hospital, Dahod, Gujarat.

Aim: The study aimed to determine the effect of obesity on cardiopulmonary health of medical students.

Objectives: The study objectives were as follows: 1. To compare PFT parameters and VO₂ max between obese and non-obese students. 2. To study the correlation of BMI with PFTs and VO₂ max.

Material and methods: BMI was calculated with the formula BMI = weight/height². PFTs were assessed with computerized spirometry. Aerobic capacity was calculated with Astrand 6-minute Cycle Test. Statistical analysis was done with unpaired t-test.

Results: This study found a significant difference in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 minute (FEV₁), slow vital capacity (SVC), maximum ventilatory volume (MVV), and VO₂ max between obese and non-obese students (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between BMI and forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF_25-75), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), MVV, SVC, expiratory reserve volume (ERV), and MVV and negative correlation with FVC, FEV₁, lung age, and VO₂ max in non-obese students. There was also a positive correlation between BMI and PEFR, SVC, FVC, FEV₁, lung age, MVV, ERV, and a negative correlation with FEF_25-75 and VO₂ max in obese students.

Conclusion: As BMI is inversely related to cardiopulmonary function, students having high BMI can be motivated toward a healthy lifestyle.