SCIENCE AND INNOVATION IN THE
EDUCATION SYSTEM
International scientific-online conference
76
THE EFFECT OF OBESITY ON RESPIRATORY FUNCTION
Mirzaolim Ilyosbek og'li Hasanov
Master's student, Andijan State Medical Institute
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14885648
Abstract
: Obesity is a serious global health issue. According to the World
Health Organization (WHO), the global prevalence of obesity has significantly
increased over the past decades. Today, obesity affects millions of people
worldwide and can lead to a range of health problems. According to 2020 data,
39% of adults aged 18 and over worldwide were obese, meaning that one in
every four people suffers from obesity. Over the years, the prevalence of obesity
has been steadily increasing. Obesity is not only limited to adults but is also
widespread among children and adolescents. Around 18% of children aged 5 to
19 years worldwide are prone to obesity.
Keywords
: obesity, apnea, lung ventilation, hypoventilation
Introduction
Obesity is a widespread issue in modern society, affecting not only the metabolic
and cardiovascular systems but also negatively influencing respiratory function.
The impact of obesity on the respiratory system is largely related to factors such
as excess fat accumulation, restricted movement of the diaphragm and chest,
and disturbances in the respiratory center. This article analyzes how obesity
affects respiratory function and explores methods to prevent these issues.
Mechanisms of Obesity’s Impact on the Respiratory System
Excess weight negatively impacts the respiratory process in various ways:
Restriction of chest and diaphragm movement
: Excess fat tissue leads
to reduced movement of the chest and diaphragm, which decreases the depth of
breathing.
Ventilation disturbances in the lungs
: Obesity reduces lung elasticity,
and the process of gas exchange in the alveoli slows down.
Weakening of respiratory muscles
: Obesity places additional strain on
the muscles involved in respiration, making it more difficult to breathe.
Sleep apnea and hypoventilation syndrome
: Obesity is commonly
associated with sleep apnea (obstructive sleep apnea) and hypoventilation
syndrome, which significantly reduces oxygen supply to the div.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
One of the most important respiratory system issues related to obesity is
obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. In this condition, narrowing of the upper
SCIENCE AND INNOVATION IN THE
EDUCATION SYSTEM
International scientific-online conference
77
airways can cause temporary cessation of breathing during sleep. This leads to
oxygen deficiency in the div and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Hypoventilation Syndrome
In some people with excess weight, obesity-related hypoventilation
syndrome is observed. In this condition, the activity of the diaphragm and
respiratory muscles weakens, leading to the accumulation of carbon dioxide in
the div and the development of hypoxia. The mechanism of Hypoventilation
syndrome works as follows:
1.
Weakening of the diaphragm and respiratory muscles
: Due to
excess fat accumulation and increased div weight, the diaphragm and other
respiratory muscles weaken. This limits their functionality and reduces the
effective transfer of oxygen to the lungs.
2.
Obstructive airways
: Excess fat accumulation around the neck and
throat can narrow the airways. This particularly complicates breathing during
sleep and leads to hypoventilation syndrome.
3.
Disturbance of ventilation and perfusion balance
: Obesity may
disrupt the balance between ventilation (oxygen delivery) and perfusion (blood
supply) in the lungs, preventing adequate oxygen delivery.
4.
Reduced arterial oxygen
: Hypoventilation decreases the amount of
oxygen reaching the lungs, lowering the saturation of oxygen in the arteries and
leading to oxygen deficiency.
5.
Increase in carbon dioxide
: Due to hypoventilation, the excretion
of carbon dioxide (CO2) becomes more difficult, leading to an increase in CO2
levels in the div, which, in turn, causes an acid-base imbalance and
hypercapnia (CO2 excess).
Physical Activity and Obesity
Obesity reduces respiratory efficiency, making physical activity more
difficult. Obese individuals become fatigued even with light physical exertion,
and their breathing rate increases. Over time, this leads to avoiding physical
activity, which further exacerbates obesity.
Conclusion
Obesity has a significant impact on the functioning of the respiratory system,
leading to breathing difficulties, sleep apnea, and hypoventilation syndrome. To
prevent these conditions, it is essential to follow a healthy lifestyle, engage in
regular physical activity, and reduce excess weight. Additionally, regular medical
check-ups are recommended to prevent respiratory system diseases
References:
1. “International Journal of Obesity” April 2019 Vol.43 No 4
SCIENCE AND INNOVATION IN THE
EDUCATION SYSTEM
International scientific-online conference
78
2. “Handbook of Obesity” George A. Bray. Claude Bouchard 2020
3. “Handbook of Obesity Treatment” 2nd edition Thomas A. Wadden. George A.
Bray
4. “Obesity A research journal” February 2005 Vol.33 No 2
5. “Obesity Reviews” January 2014 Vol. 15 No 1
