| ■ Weight gain may make asthma control more difficult | 2007.12.03 |
| NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Weight gain is associated with an increased risk of poorly controlled asthma, according to findings presented in Grapevine, Texas, at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. In a 3-year study, the researchers observed 2,396 patients with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma. Those who gained 5 pounds or more between the beginning of the study and 1 year reported poorer asthma control and worse quality of life than patients who maintained their initial weight or lost 5 or more pounds during the same period, researchers reported. "Our findings are consistent with reports that increases in body mass index are associated with decreased asthma control and asthma-related quality of life," commented Dr. Tmirah Haselkorn, of EpiMetrix, Inc., of South San Francisco. "Strategies to prevent weight gain could help patients achieve better asthma control and improve asthma-related quality of life." After considering the potential influence of other known asthma risk factors, the initial body mass index, co-existing illness, duration and severity of asthma, lung function and oral steroid use, the odds of having poorly controlled asthma after 12 months were increased by 22 percent in patients who gained weight during the first year compared to patients who kept a steady weight. |