Obesity and Metabolic Risks Drive Higher Asthma Burden in Adults
New research highlights how obesity and related metabolic conditions, especially hypertension, may significantly increase the risk of asthma, with women disproportionately affected.
A large U.S. study found that obesity and metabolic abnormalities such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia independently raise the risk of asthma. The combination of obesity and metabolic risks amplified this effect, particularly among women.
Study Details
The analysis drew on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which included over 50,000 adults (median age 49). About 6,800 participants reported having asthma. Researchers categorized individuals by obesity status (BMI ≥30) and the presence of metabolic conditions. Those with obesity plus at least two metabolic risk factors were considered metabolically unhealthy.
Methodology
Participants were surveyed about asthma diagnoses, and their health information was assessed for obesity and metabolic factors. These included:
Hypertension
Hyperglycemia
Dyslipidemia
Researchers compared asthma prevalence and risk across different obesity–metabolic profiles.
Key Findings
Asthma prevalence was higher in those with obesity and hypertension compared to participants without these conditions.
Obesity raised asthma risk by 32%, while hypertension increased it by 19%.
Both metabolically healthy and unhealthy obese adults had higher risks, but metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) individuals showed the strongest effect (odds ratio 1.39).
The risk rose progressively with the number of combined metabolic risk factors, with obesity plus three factors raising asthma risk by 32%.
Adults with both obesity and hypertension had a 49% higher risk for asthma, with the effect especially strong in women.
Implications for Practice
The findings suggest that asthma prevention and treatment guidelines could benefit from incorporating metabolic health screening. Early identification of high-risk groups particularly women with obesity and hypertension may improve asthma management and reduce disease burden.
Clinicians may consider targeting metabolically unhealthy obese patients with tailored interventions to improve respiratory health and overall quality of life.