How does obesity affect respiratory health?

 

Obesity is becoming a global health issue that is becoming widespread even in countries beyond the US. Being obese raises a person's chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D. explains why being overweight can affect a person's respiratory health. 

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When a person carries extra weight and their BMI increases, the lung volume decreases. This causes limited air entry and a lower total lung capacity. Obese individuals can also experience shortness of breath even with minor physical activity. This condition is called exertional dyspnea. According to recent studies, obese and overweight individuals with COPD are more prone to experiencing the effects of the chronic condition leading to frequent hospitalization compared to others.

Being obese also affects breathing during sleep. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D. says that those with the condition can also develop obstructive sleep apnea syndrome which causes the narrowing of airways. This can cause a person to snore and experience disrupted sleep. Those with this sleep disorder usually wake up feeling tired during the day because the disruptions cause low quality sleep. 

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People who weigh more than the healthy weight for their age and height are also at risk of obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). This causes higher blood carbon dioxide levels and lower blood oxygen levels. Because of this condition, a person might be unable to take deep breaths, causing a variety of discomfort such as headaches, drowsiness, and fatigue.

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for the respiratory system. When the lungs are healthy, it affects a person's quality of movement and rest.

Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., is a board-certified pulmonary disease and critical care physician with a private practice in Bergen County, New Jersey. For more reads on health and medicine, visit this page.

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