The Effect of Obesity on Pulmonary Function Testing Among the Jordanian Population

Background: Obesity is a major health problem in Jordan. It has a deteriorating effect on pulmonary function tests. This study evaluated the impact of obesity on pulmonary function tests on the Jordanian population. Methods: Nonsmoking adults that did not suffer from cardiopulmonary disease were selected in this cross-sectional study. The participants were divided into two groups. The first group was the tested group, obese group (BMI≥30 kg/m2), the other was matched normal weight participants (BMI=18.5- 24.9 kg/m2). Measurements of lung-function, height and weight were performed, statistical analysis was conducted using linear regression, independent t-test and Mann-Whitney Test. Results: Linear regression showed that obesity decreased natural logarithm of forced vital capacity log (FVC), log forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and log Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) in males and decreased log (FVC) and log (FEV1) in females. Height was positively associated with log (FVC), log (FEV1) and log (PEFR) in both sexes, while age was negatively associated with log (FVC) and log (FEV1) in both sexes. Conclusion: Obesity was negatively associated with pulmonary function tests. The result of this study has further shown the importance of weight control programs among the Jordanian population.