Effect of body mass index on cardiorespiratory parameters among medical students: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Obesity is a global crisis due to its significant contribution to mortality and morbidity. This study discovered an association between body mass index (BMI) with pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and aerobic capacity (VO2 max) in medical students of Zydus Medical College and Hospital, Dahod, Gujarat.

Objective: The study aimed to determine the effect of obesity on cardiopulmonary health of medical students. Objective: The study objectives were as follows: 1. To compare PFT parameters and VO2 max between obese and non-obese students. 2. To study the correlation of BMI with PFTs and VO2 max.

Methods: BMI was calculated with the formula BMI = weight/height2. PFTs were assessed with computerized spirometry. Aerobic capacity was calculated with Astrand 6-minute Cycle Test. Statistical analysis was done with unpaired t-test.

Results: This study found a significant difference in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 minute (FEV1), slow vital capacity (SVC), maximum ventilatory volume (MVV), and VO2 max between obese and non-obese students (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between BMI and forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), MVV, SVC, expiratory reserve volume (ERV), and MVV and negative correlation with FVC, FEV1, lung age, and VO2 max in non-obese students. There was also a positive correlation between BMI and PEFR, SVC, FVC, FEV1, lung age, MVV, ERV, and a negative correlation with FEF25-75 and VO2 max in obese students.

Conclusions: As BMI is inversely related to cardiopulmonary function, students having high BMI can be motivated toward a healthy lifestyle.