Key result
Beyond a BMI threshold of 38.2 kg/m², increasing BMI led to a significant decline in ventilatory capacity and an increased risk of pulmonary function impairment (OR 1.008; 95% CI 1.002-1.014).
Why the study?
Conflicting impacts of obesity on pulmonary function have been observed, prompting investigation into the relationship between BMI and pulmonary function parameters in individuals with obesity.
Does BMI impact pulmonary function parameters in individuals with severe obesity?
Cross-Sectional (n=1,834)
Does BMI impact pulmonary function parameters in individuals with severe obesity?
Effect estimate: OR 1.008 (95% CI 1.002 to 1.014)
In bariatric surgery candidates, BMI exhibits a non-linear relationship with pulmonary function, with a significant decline in ventilatory capacity and increased risk of impairment beyond a threshold of 38.2 kg/m².
Hypothesis-generating for pulmonary monitoring in severe obesity; leaves open causality and reversibility with weight loss pending trials.
Introduction: The conflicting impact of obesity on pulmonary function has been observed. Our study aimed at exploring the relationship between BMI and pulmonary function parameters in individuals with obesity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a consecutive cohort of bariatric surgery candidates with pulmonary function tests. BMI, analysed as both quartile-stratified groups and a continuous variable, was evaluated for associations with pulmonary function parameters and the risk of pulmonary impairment. Results: A total of 1834 patients with obesity (BMI range: 27.5–76.4 kg/m²) were included in our study. BMI exhibited a significantly positive correlation with FVC, FEV1, TLC, and FRC (P<0.001) and a negative correlation with FVC%pred, FEV1%pred, FEV1/FVC%, and RV/TLC (P<0.05). Non-linear relationships were found between BMI and both FVC%pred and FEV1%pred (P for non-linearity<0.01) after adjusting for covariables. Beyond the threshold BMI of 38.2 kg/m², FVC%pred and FEV1%pred declined significantly (FVC%pred: β=-0.522, 95% CI: -0.756 to -0.289; FEV1%pred: β=-0.435, 95% CI: -0.869 to -0.199), and the risk of pulmonary function impairment increased (OR=1.008, 95% CI:1.002 to 1.014). Conclusion: BMI exhibited a non-linear relationship with pulmonary function parameters. Beyond the critical threshold of 38.2 kg/m2, increasing BMI led to a significant decline in ventilatory capacity, concomitant with an amplified risk of pulmonary function impairment.
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Nie et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Obesity (n=1,834). Body Mass Index was evaluated on Risk of pulmonary function impairment beyond BMI 38.2 kg/m² (OR 1.008, 95% CI 1.002 to 1.014). Beyond a BMI threshold of 38.2 kg/m², increasing BMI led to a significant decline in ventilatory capacity and an increased risk of pulmonary function impairment (OR 1.008; 95% CI 1.002-1.014).
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