For both pre- and postmenopausal women, obesity and abdominal obesity are associated with an increased risk for COPD and asthma, according to a study published in Menopause. Researchers conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study including more than 1.6 million women aged 30 and older without a diagnosis of COPD or asthma to examine the impact of BMI and waist circumference (WC) on COPD and asthma development. Baseline BMI and WC were measured, and the women were classified into five BMI and WC groups. High BMI and WC groups had a significantly higher incidence of COPD and asthma compared with normal BMI and WC groups, regardless of menopausal status; the HRs increased further as BMI and WC increased. However, among postmenopausal women, the HR was significantly higher in the underweight group. For both pre- and postmenopausal women, the HR for asthma was significantly higher in the obese group.

Author