The impact of obesity on COPD development: unveiling the hidden risks.

Background: Obesity represents a frequent comorbidity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, its exact role as potential risk factor remains unclear. ur aim is to assess obesity's potential role for COPD development.

Research design and methods: The HYDRIA survey has been the first national project on the health of the population in Greece. Data regarding individual characteristics, lifestyle choices, medical history, dietary data and somatometric characteristics were recorded through personal interview in a representative sample of the population.

Results: Four thousand eleven men and women aged more than 18 years old were enrolled. COPD is more prevalent in obese people (10.1%; 95% CI: 6.0-14.2%) compared to 5.4%; 95% CI: 4.6-6.2% in non-obese participants. In multivariate analysis, obesity continues to be strongly associated with COPD (OR = 1.76 (95% CI: 1.23-2.53); p = 0.002). Age and smoking are also strong risk factors for COPD. The estimated prevalence of self-reported physician-diagnosed COPD in Greece is 5.9%.

Conclusions: Obesity may represent a potential unrevealed risk factor for COPD. Focus on obesity should be included in public health campaigns and preventive programs aiming to decrease the burden of disease and provide the necessary optimal management.