Association Between Body Composition Characteristics and Pulmonary Function Parameters in Young Adults of Shaheed Benazirabad District

Background: Obesity is a significant global health issue linked to increased risks of respiratory diseases. This study examines the association between body composition metrics, such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), and lung function in adults aged 20-40 years. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted at the Physiology Department of Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences from February 2023 to April 2024, involving 376 adults. Participants were categorized based on their BMI and evaluated for WHR. Pulmonary function was assessed using spirometry, following American Thoracic Society guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 27, utilizing Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the chi-square test, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant. Results: The sample consisted of 236 (62.8%) males and 140 (37.2%) females, with a mean age of 31.39±6.35 years. The mean BMI was 23.65±3.95 kg/m². Overweight individuals accounted for 220 (58.5%), and obesity for 85 (22.6%). Of the sample, 258 (68.6%) had reduced Vital Capacity (VC), 250 (66.5%) had decreased Total Lung Capacity (TLC), and 243 (64.6%) had decreased Forced Vital Capacity (FVC). A negative correlation was found between BMI and VC (p<0.001), as well as between WHR and VC. Conclusion: Increased BMI and WHR are associated with respiratory function impairment. Weight loss and improved body composition may enhance respiratory health and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.