Study Reveals Childhood Obesity Leads to Asthma

A new study provides evidence that childhood obesity contributes to asthma.

For several decades, health experts have believed that childhood obesity and asthma are linked; however, they could not determine which of the two conditions comes first and whether one condition leads to the other. Childhood obesity is listed as a serious U.S. public health problem and the rate has doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents over the last 30 years, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control.

Along with obesity, the prevalence of asthma is also increasing worldwide. Despite the prevalence of both, research has been contradictory as to what could be the contributing factors to the association. The latest study shows that it is more probable that childhood obesity contributes to asthma.

"The relationship between obesity and asthma in adults, which shows that being overweight and obese can precede the onset of asthma, is supported by a number of studies," said allergist Perdita Permaul, MD, who is also the lead author. "There isn't as much evidence for children, but the progression from obesity to asthma, rather than the other way around, seems probable."   

The report by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) highlights a study that indicated the rapid increase in the body mass index in the first two years of life, ups the risk of asthma up to 6 years of age. Also, the onset and duration of obesity and the composition of excess fat affects the functioning of the lungs.

The health experts are confused whether it is the limiting of airways due to asthma that makes kids lazy and not to exercise, eventually gaining unhealthy amount of weight or whether it is the excess body weight that makes the kids' airways narrow, eventually leading to the development of asthma.

"Most kids who suffer from asthma also have allergies," said allergist Michael Foggs, MD, ACAAI president. "These allergic responses in the lung can lead to symptoms of allergy. Coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath are all symptoms that make exercise harder. We work with our asthma patients to make sure they are breathing well enough to exercise and play."

The ACAAI suggests that children suffering from asthma and other allergic diseases should consider participating in a sport they prefer, provided the advice of allergist's is followed. Any symptoms of asthma during and immediately after the exercise, indicates poorly controlled asthma.

The finding was documented in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.