Being skinny or overweight damages lung development in children

A child is required to maintain a normal BMI range according to their age, as a new study has found that either being skinny or overweight will damage the lung development.
A new study published by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden explains that the lung develops in a human from the womb to adulthood and noted that one in ten people will have reduced lung function development in childhood, resulting in the lung not working at its full capacity.

Higher risk of heart and lung disease

Children with reduced lung development are at a higher risk of heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. The study found that the impaired lung function is based on the abnormal BMI. The previous study research on the link between BMI and lung function produced mixed results, and this new study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, finds a clear correlation between the two.
Researcher Gang Wang in a media release, stated, “In this study, the largest so far, we’ve been able to follow children from birth all the way to the age of 24, covering the entire period of lung function development.”

The study findings were released after tracking 4,000 children from birth to the age of 24, and the research findings were concluded after the BMI measurements were divided into at least 4 categories.

Measurements of lung function

The lung function was measured using a

spirometry breathing test

for ages 2, 8, 16, and 24, and with this test, the lung strength was measured based on how much air one can inhale or exhale.
The study noted that children with extremely high BMI showed impaired lung functions, and there was a restriction of airflow in the lungs with overweight children. The study also identified that, if the BMI returns to normal before adulthood, the lung impairment can be prevented in children with high BMI range.
Having a BMI below the normal range was also found to have a reduced lung function. The impairment in the lungs with lean and skinny children was because of the inadequate lung growth.
With both underweight and overweight children, the lung development seems to be an issue that can be rectified with a proper diet and regular health exercises.

How being underweight affects lung function

Low body weight leads to a decrease in muscle mass around the lungs, and it makes the respiratory muscles weaken and make them more susceptible to respiratory infections.

How being overweight affects lung function

In children who are overweight, the excess fat in the body settles around the chest and abdomen, causing a restriction to the lung from expanding. Obesity also leads to issues with overall lung performance, and it impacts the oxygen level. Heavier the weight, carbon dioxide settles, leaving very little oxygen supply to the body. Obesity has a higher risk of respiratory conditions and can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.