Correlation Between Peak Expiratory Flow Rate, Markers of Adiposity, and Anthropometric Measures in Medical Students in Pakistan

Abstract

Obesity has been defined as the excessive deposition of fats on the body. It presents a very significant risk to humanity, with debilitating consequences for healthcare systems worldwide. It has multiple effects on the body, including grave consequences on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Our project explores the latter. There are multiple studies available in the scientific literature that attempt to explain this phenomenon, all with limited success and conflicting results. This cross-sectional exploration of the topic was done on medical undergraduates to pick up on any correlations between peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and the markers of obesity (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist to hip ratio (WHR)). In general, we found that male participants had sizably higher PEFR values than females (r=0.540, p<0.01). Appropriate BMI is mandatory for the physiologic functioning of the human body. This work also statistically demonstrates a negative overall correlation between lung health and various parameters of obesity. Our work suggests a positive correlation between WHR and PEFR (r=0.325, p<0.01), BMI and PEFR (r=0.573, p=0.02), along with weight and PEFR (r=0.464, p<0.01). Maintaining a BMI and WHR in the normal range is essential for optimal physiological functioning and physical well-being.