Weight Gain and Obesity Strongly Linked to Higher Asthma Risk, Especially in Middle-Aged Adults, New Study Finds
Sweden: A new 8-year follow-up study has reinforced the connection between obesity, weight gain, and the risk of developing asthma in adults. Conducted by Reshed Abohalaka from the Krefting Research Centre at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and colleagues, the research highlights that both baseline obesity and significant weight gain substantially raise the likelihood of new-onset asthma, particularly in women aged 40–60 years.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, analyzed data from the West Sweden Asthma Study, a population-based survey conducted in 2008 and followed up in 2016. Among the 10,769 participants who did not have asthma at the beginning of the study, the overall asthma incidence over the 8-year period was 1.8 per 1,000 person-years. Researchers assessed weight changes using body mass index (BMI), categorizing individuals as normal weight (BMI <25), overweight (BMI 25–29.9), or obese (BMI ≥30). Asthma diagnosis was self-reported based on physician confirmation.
Key Findings:
- Adults who gained ≥4 BMI units during the 8-year follow-up showed a significantly higher risk of developing asthma.
- Women exhibited a stronger association between weight gain and asthma incidence, indicating a gender-specific vulnerability.
- Even modest weight increases of ≥0.5 BMI units were linked to a higher asthma risk compared to individuals with stable, normal weight.
- Baseline obesity itself emerged as a key risk factor for developing asthma, independent of later weight changes.
- Individuals who were obese at the beginning of the study were more likely to develop asthma than those with a normal weight, highlighting the importance of healthy weight maintenance for asthma prevention.
The researchers note that middle-aged women who are overweight or obese and experience further weight gain are at the greatest risk. These findings have crucial implications for clinical practice and public health, highlighting the need for weight management strategies as an integral part of asthma prevention and care. Interventions targeting healthy weight maintenance, dietary guidance, and lifestyle modification could significantly reduce asthma incidence, particularly in vulnerable groups.
Obesity is known not only to increase the likelihood of developing asthma but also to worsen symptoms, reduce responsiveness to treatment, and lead to poorer outcomes in individuals with existing asthma. By integrating weight control measures into asthma management plans, healthcare providers may improve both prevention and long-term disease control.
In summary, the study establishes a clear link between obesity, weight gain, and new-onset asthma over an 8-year period. The risk is particularly pronounced in women who gain substantial weight during middle age, as well as in individuals who are obese at baseline. These findings highlight the importance of early interventions to maintain a healthy weight and prevent asthma, highlighting weight management as a key component of long-term respiratory health.
Reference:
Abohalaka, R., Ercan, S., Ilmarinen, P., Backman, H., Ekerljung, L., Rådinger, M., Nwaru, B. I., & Kankaanranta, H. (2025). Obesity and weight change during eight years in relation to asthma incidence. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-20657-8
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