Seeking Asthma Relief, Is There A Link Between Asthma And Obesity?

Those asthma sufferers who are heavier than the norm who are seeking asthma relief might find it beneficial to loose some weight. Researchers believe that there is a link between obesity and asthma in the US and other western countries, where both health conditions are on the rise. Recent studies in Sweden and the US indicate there is some evidence to support this finding.

The US study, from the American journal of Epidemiology, found that 3,792 children in Southern Califo
ia with a body mass index greater than the 85 percentile had an increased risk of developing asthma. The Swedish study of 457 children, published in Acta Paediatrica, also found that there was a clear association between higher body mass index and asthma. Another study published in Annals of Epidemiology using Black and Hispanic men and women supports a strong association between asthma and obesity and also indicates the incidence of asthma is higher among women than men. Another study of 4,500 of men and women in Califo
ia from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2005-2006 had very interesting findings. In this study one third of the participants were overweight, one third were normal weight and another third were obese. This study concluded that the risk of asthma was more than tripled for the obese people compared to normal weight people.

One of the main links between asthma and obesity is thought to be dietary fat. The main question experts are asking is could the type of fat in our diets that causes weight gain be a contributing factor to the development of asthma? Would a low-fat diet help to reduce both obesity and offer relief from asthma symptoms? Surprisingly, evidence indicates that managing the type of fat in our diets may reduce the symptoms of asthma and decrease weight gain.

Some researchers believe the system-wide, low-grade inflammation that occurs with obesity may be a factor in increased asthma and allergy risks. An analysis by Spector and Surette in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology indicates that low levels of two specific oils may be directly associated with asthma. These are gamma-linolenic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in salmon, tuna, and halibut, algae, krill, some plants, and also nuts. Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid is derived from flax seed & borage seed oils.

Eating a healthy diet combined with getting regular exercise such as walking a half hour daily, taking a yoga class, riding a bike, dancing, gardening or any activity that you enjoy is very important and pays off in many ways.

The most important point gained from these studies is that eating right and maintaining an ideal body weight have clear health benefits and could substantially lower your risk of developing asthma as well as offering asthma relief to those who already suffer from it.