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Asthma Linked to Obesity in Women

By Henry J. Fishman, M.D.
ConsumerAffairs.com

June 28, 2006

Asthma • FDA Studies Asthma Drug's Potential Suicide Link • Indoor Allergens Torment Asthma Sufferers • Patients Balk at New Asthma Inhalers • Study: Farm Kids Have Lower Risk of Asthma • Researchers Link Spray Cleaners With Asthma • National Study Links Asthma to Allergies • Study Finds High Rate of Asthma in College Athletes • Can an Apple a Day Keep Asthma Away? • Survey Shows Asthma Not Controlled in Majority of Patients • Asthma Patients Pay the Price for Ozone Protection • Asthma Linked to Obesity in Women • Researchers Say "Killer" Asthma Inhalers Should Be Recalled • Asthmatic Kids Need No-Smoking Rules • Study: Asthma Patients Think It's Temporary • Female Hormones May Affect Allergies, Asthma • Home-Based Clean-Ups Help Childhood Asthma, Study Finds • Asthma and Obesity: Is There A Connection? • Bacteria in Household Dust May Trigger Asthma Symptoms • Air Pollution, Asthma May Be Linked • Americans Lack Vital Asthma Info: EPA • Researchers Find Ties Between Asthma and Emotion • A Good Laugh Can Trigger Asthma Attack

There are two major epidemics in this country going on at the same time -- asthma and obesity.

Are they connected? We don't know for sure -- but here's what we do know.

A number of studies have shown that more heavy folks have asthma symptoms than thin folks. A number of studies have shown the association is greater in women than men, and may only apply to women.

Even in childhood, heavier females have a stronger association with asthma than men. A study of 1,000 children found the incidence of asthma symptoms with being heavy occurred only in girls.

The relationship between asthma and obesity in women is highest among those who have their periods early, which suggests a role for hormones in heavy asthmatic women.

A number of studies have found that heavy women who lose weight do improve their asthma.

We don't know why asthma and obesity are related, especially in women. There may be some hormonal factors, and other factors may also play a role. We need more research on the topic and more work on both illnesses.

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