Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Expert Forum)
BMI effect on PFT
Answered by
MN
This forum is for questions and support regarding COPD, coughing/wheezing, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung infections, pollution, smoking, treatment for COPD, and what causes COPD.
BMI effect on PFT
by lindasj, Oct 28, 2007 04:40PM
Hi,
I have COPD with a FEV1 of 1.7 and a FEV1 and FVC ratio of 53%. I am very overweight and currently doing Weight Watchers. My BMI is 55.3. I was wondering what the effect of my obesity would have on my PFT. Would I possibly have an increase in my FEV1 or would my ratio change? How exactly would a weight loss impact my PFT. I read various articles on the internet regarding the impact of obesity on pulmonary function .They were scholary, I need it explained to me plain english,Thank you.
Linda
I have COPD with a FEV1 of 1.7 and a FEV1 and FVC ratio of 53%. I am very overweight and currently doing Weight Watchers. My BMI is 55.3. I was wondering what the effect of my obesity would have on my PFT. Would I possibly have an increase in my FEV1 or would my ratio change? How exactly would a weight loss impact my PFT. I read various articles on the internet regarding the impact of obesity on pulmonary function .They were scholary, I need it explained to me plain english,Thank you.
Linda
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Nov 08, 2007 04:59PM
, Nov 08, 2007 04:59PM
Obesity will result in a reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) and, if at all, to a much lesser degree, the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1). With weight loss, both FEV1 and FVC would rise, with either an unchanged or somewhat lower ratio, but your breathing would become progressively easier; i.e., less work of breathing.
