Effect of Body Mass Index (BMI) on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in young adults

Background: Obesity has become one of the major health issues in India. WHO defines obesity as “A condition with excessive fat accumulation in the body to the extent that the health and wellbeing are adversely affected”. Obesity results from a complex interaction of genetic, behavioral, environmental and socioeconomic factors causing an imbalance in energy production and expenditure. Peak expiratory flow rate is the maximum rate of airflow that can be generated during forced expiratory manoeuvre starting from total lung capacity. The simplicity of the method is its main advantage. It is measured by using a standard Wright Peak Flow Meter or mini Wright Meter. Aim: The aim of the study is to see the effect of body mass index on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate values in young adults. Materials and methods: A correlational study was done 40 healthy individuals with age of 18-35 year old. Subjects having cardio or pulmonary condition were excluded. Then according to body mass index (BMI) normal (group A) and obese (group B) individuals were included. Where, BMI - normal: 18.5-22.9 kg/m2 and obese: 25 kg/m2 onwards. Then in sitting position all the individuals were given three trials for PEFR and best of all was taken. Results: Group A: BMI mean -18.74±1.11and PEFR mean - 395±116.8, Group B: BMI mean -28.7±1.12 and PEFR mean - 309±46.4. According to spearman’s correlation Group A, r= 0.456 and p=0.022 also in Group B r=0.097 and p=0.342. Conclusion: There was weak correlation in between BMI and PEFR.