Obesity and Asthma on the Rise Worldwide: Doctors at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur discuss Global Increases in Both Conditions on World Asthma Day, May 7th

Obesity and Asthma on the Rise Worldwide: Doctors at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur discuss Global Increases in Both Conditions on World Asthma Day, May 7th 

People with a BMI of 30 or more have a much higher risk of having Asthma 

 Jaipur, May, 2024: On World Asthma Day, May 7, doctors at Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur highlighted the complex co-relation between obesity and asthma. Excess weight can contribute to inflammation in the body, affecting the airways and making breathing more difficult. People with a BMI of 30 or more have a significantly increased risk of developing asthma, and nearly 15 per cent of women who are obese suffer from the condition. The implications of this correlation are particularly noteworthy, especially considering the global rise in both obesity and asthma rates, said Dr. Ankit Bansal, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology and Critical Care and Dr. Vinod Kumar Sharma, Consultant, Pulmonology and Critical Care at Fortis Escorts Jaipur. 

  This year’s theme of World Asthma Day is: ‘Asthma Education Empowers’, and the experts at the hospital aim to raise awareness about how these two conditions intersect, and impact health of asthma patients. While stressing on preventing health check-ups, Dr Bansal also advised patients, especially who are obese, to go on a healthy diet, exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes and avoid junk food. Drawing attention to the lack of awareness about the co-relation of obesity and asthma, Dr Sharma said obesity reduces the effectiveness of medications of asthma patients. 

  Dr. Ankit Bansal, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology and Critical Care at Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur, says, “Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition affecting millions worldwide, is often associated with genetic and environmental factors. But the relationship between obesity and asthma is complex. Excess weight can contribute to inflammation in the body, affecting the airways and making breathing more difficult. Additionally, adipose tissue (also known as body fat, is a connective tissue that stores energy and regulates metabolism throughout the body) produces hormones and chemicals that can exacerbate asthma symptoms. The implications of this correlation are significant, especially considering the global rise in both obesity and asthma rates. Addressing obesity may not only help in preventing asthma but also in managing its symptoms more effectively.” 

  Dr. Vinod Kumar Sharma, Consultant, Pulmonology and Critical Care at Fortis Escorts Jaipur shares further, “According to the National Institute of Health, people with a BMI of 30 or more have a much higher risk of having asthma compared to those with a lower BMI. About 7% of adults with a BMI in the normal range have asthma, while 11 per cent of adults with a BMI classified as obese have the condition. In fact, this seems particularly a problem for women - nearly 15 per cent of women who are obese suffer from asthma.   

He also pointed out that "Obese individuals with asthma often struggle with asthma control, and obesity can reduce the effectiveness of medications. Those who have both obesity and asthma frequently have other medical issues that can affect asthma, such as anxiety, depression, and obstructive sleep apnea."