Effect of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome on Pulmonary Functions and Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Adolescents.

Obesity, linked to various comorbidities like metabolic syndrome (MS) due to its proinflammatory nature, contributes to elevated exhaled nitric oxide levels, impacting multiple physiological systems, including the respiratory system. This study aimed to examine the impact of obesity and MS on lung function and airway inflammation in adolescents. We investigated the relationship between body fat distribution and pulmonary function parameters, and assess fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels as an indicator of airway inflammation.This study included 100 children aged 10 to 18 years, comprising 50 obese individuals and 50 non-obese healthy controls. Participants were categorized based on their relative body mass index (RBMI), presence of MS, and body fat distribution. Pulmonary function tests and FeNO levels were compared between the groups.The FEV1/FVC and FRC values were significantly lower in the obese group. Among obese participants, MS was present in 30%, and those with MS had higher ERV. In male subjects, FEV1/FVC was lower and FeNO levels were higher in those with increased waist circumference. There was a positive correlation between RBMI and FVC, TLC, and a negative correlation between RBMI and FEV1/FVC, FRC. Negative correlations were also detected between waist and neck circumferences and FEV1/FVC, FRC, RV values.Obesity and MS negatively impact pulmonary function, particularly reducing FEV1/FVC and FRC. Furthermore, central adiposity may contribute to airway inflammation, as indicated by increased FeNO levels.