Differing associations of BMI and body fat with asthma and lung function in children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Current evidence suggests that in children there is a significant, albeit weak, association between asthma and obesity. Studies generally use body mass index (BMI) in evaluating body adiposity, but there are limitations to its use.

Method

Children from a population-based study attending follow-up (age 11 years) were weighed, measured and had percent body (PBF) and truncal (PTF) fat assessed using bioelectrical impedance. They were skin prick tested and completed spirometry. Parents completed a validated respiratory questionnaire. Children were defined as normal or overweight according to BMI and PBF cut-offs. We tested the association between these adiposity markers with wheeze, asthma, atopy, and lung-function.

Results

Six hundred forty-six children (339 m

SUBMITTER: Wang R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4265846 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature