Body mass index and vital lung capacity as determinants of maximum oxygen volume (VO2 max): assessing fitness in a sedentary population

[Purpose] The increasing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles in modern society has become a significant public health concern, correlating with a rise in obesity rates and various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. A critical metric often assessed in health evaluations is maximum oxygen consumption (VO<sub>2</sub> max), which is instrumental in gauging an individual’s aerobic fitness level. University staff members who engage in limited physical activity are at risk of reduced vital lung capacity (VLC) due to elevated Body Mass Index (BMI). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between BMI and VLC as predictors of maximum oxygen consumption (VO<sub>2</sub> max) in a sedentary population.[Methods] An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 75 male staff members, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected by measuring BMI and waist circumference, performing spirometry to assess VLC, and performing the Harvard Step Test to assess VO<sub>2</sub> max. Multivariate analysis was performed using linear regression.[Results] The mean of BMI, VLC, and VO<sub>2</sub> max were 26.02 ± 3.70, 60.13 ± 15.45, and 40.40 ± 3.71. BMI (<i>p</i> = 0.002) and VLC (<i>p</i> = 0.05) were statistically significant independent predictors of VO<sub>2</sub> max in the sedentary population.[Conclusion] This study concluded that VO<sub>2</sub> max was negatively associated with BMI and positively associated with VLC.