ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BODY MASS INDEX AND ASTHMA: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND COHORT STUDIES

Asthma and obesity are major global health problems with increasing prevalence in both children and adults. Growing evidence suggests a strong association between elevated body mass index (BMI) and asthma development, severity and poor disease control. This narrative review aims to examine the relationship between BMI and asthma. It summaries findings from epidemiological studies, cohort studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The reviewed literature indicates that overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk of developing asthma and often experience reduced lung function, increased hospitalization rates and decreased responsiveness to asthma therapy. Several mechanisms associated with this conditions including chronic systemic inflammation, hormonal and metabolic changes also mechanical restriction of lung function due to excess adipose tissue. Evidence also suggests a bidirectional relationship, where asthma may contribute to future obesity through reduced physical activity and medication-related weight gain. Overall, obesity appears to be an important risk factor for the development of asthma. Early prevention and weight management strategies may improve asthma outcomes and overall respiratory health.