Nutritional status as a determinant of lung vital capacity among employees in Indonesia

Context: Lung vital capacity (VC) reflects respiratory function and physical fitness and is influenced by nutritional status, physical activity, smoking, and metabolic factors. Obesity, smoking, and hyperglycemia can impair pulmonary function through mechanical restriction and chronic inflammation. Aims: This study aimed to determine the association of nutritional status, physical activity, smoking habits, and blood glucose levels with lung VC. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 85 employees meeting inclusion criteria. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, blood glucose measurement, and lung VC testing using spirometry were performed. The participants were selected based on the criteria. The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical analysis. Results: Most subjects were male (81.2%), aged ≥30 years (72.9%), and had overweight–obesity status (60.0% based on body mass index (BMI)). Bivariate analysis showed a significant association between BMI and lung VC ( P = 0.030). Subjects with BMI ≥23 kg/m 2 had 2.4 times greater risk of abnormal lung VC compared with those with BMI <23 kg/m 2 (odd ratio (OR) 2.407; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.091–5.312). Age, waist circumference, fat mass, physical activity, smoking habits, and blood glucose levels showed no significant association with lung VC. Conclusion: Nutritional status based on BMI is significantly associated with lung VC. Employees with overweight–obesity have a higher risk for reduced lung VC. Implementation of nutrition and physical activity interventions, coupled with regular health and respiratory function screening, is recommended.