‘Love handles’ associated with lung problems

People who carry excess weight around their waists, affectionately referred to as having love handles, are putting increased strain on their lungs, research shows.

A report published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Medicine today found a high weight circumference is strongly associated with decreased lung function.

The study looked at health information relating to over 120,000 people from the Paris Investigations Preventives et Cliniques Center.

Lead author Natalie Leone said in a statement: “We found a positive independent relationship between lung function impairment and metabolic syndrome due mainly to abdominal obesity.”

Researchers defined abdominal obesity as having a waist circumference of greater than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men.

They claim the condition could mechanically affect the diaphragm and chest wall compliance with decreased lung volumes.

While they admit more research will “undoubtedly” shed light on the underlying mechanisms linking abdominal fat to lowered lung function, the report claims there is an immediate clinical consideration.

“I believe there is now enough evidence to recommend that waist circumference always be measured before spirometry [measurement of breath] tests,” Dr Leone concludes.