Effects of weight loss on body composition and pulmonary function.
BACKGROUND
The relationship between obesity, impaired respiratory function and weight loss is established.


OBJECTIVE
Some aspects need further elucidation: the different impact of the pathological modifications of body compartments (total and regional fat mass and lean body mass) on respiratory function, the choice of a restricted diet, the relationship between the modifications of body compartments and the variations in respiratory parameters after weight loss.


METHODS
The restricted diet was elaborated according to the traditional Mediterranean diet. In a series of 16 obese patients, respiratory function was assessed by spirometry; body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, allowing the direct estimation of total and segmental body fat and lean body mass.


RESULTS
Weight loss was sustained mainly by fat mass decrease, mostly upper body fat. Total and truncal lean body mass were not affected. Lung volumes and function were improved. A correlation was observed between lean body mass and respiratory parameters, and was unmodified after weight loss.


CONCLUSIONS
Mediterranean-style restricted diet was well accepted and enabled a selective decrease in fat mass, with a good improvement in lung function. Truncal fat (as well as abdominal fat) was decreased, while truncal lean body mass (i.e. respiratory muscles) were not affected, as expected in obese subjects with respiration problems.
De Lorenzo
A
A
Department of Human Physiology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy. delorenzo@uniroma2.it
Petrone-De Luca
P
P
Sasso
G F
GF
Carbonelli
M G
MG
Rossi
P
P
Brancati
A
A
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013147:Spirometry; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology