The Dual Burden of Obesity and Asthma: Implications for Respiratory Health and Asthma Control in Adults with Asthma

Asthma and obesity are both highly prevalent conditions with significant public health implications, and obesity has been identified as an aggravating factor in the pathogenesis of asthma. The present study aims to investigate differences in pulmonary function, lung diffusion capacity, functional exercise capacity, and asthma control between obese and non-obese adults with asthma. Fifty asthma patients were divided equally into obese and non-obese groups. Participants performed pulmonary function test (PFT), lung diffusion capacity, six-minute walk test (6MWT), and Asthma Control Test (ACT). No significant differences were found among groups in terms of PFT, lung diffusion capacity, and ACT (p>0.05). Significant differences were observed between groups in end-test SpO₂ (p = 0.045), baseline and end-test systolic blood pressure (p = 0.017 and p = 0.002), end-test respiratory rate (p = 0.002), perceptions of dyspnea and fatigue at both baseline and end-test (all p < 0.05), end-test leg pain (p = 0.045), and total walking distance (p = 0.038). A moderate and statistically significant negative correlation was found between body mass index (BMI) and the 6MWT distance (r = –0.592, p = 0.028). This study reveals that functional capacity is significantly impaired in patients with mild asthma, and obesity further aggravates this limitation. These results highlight the need for early functional evaluation and reinforce the importance of incorporating structured exercise and weight control into comprehensive asthma rehabilitation programs.