title: Frequency and correlates of overweight status in adolescent asthma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Debate exists within the literature concerning whether asthma and obesity are linked as comorbid conditions. Further study is required to understand the relationship between asthma and overweight status, and developmental considerations are an important priority area.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study addressed gaps in the existing literature by comparing rates of overweight status among a matched sample of adolescents with and without asthma and by examining correlates of overweight status among youth with asthma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Rates and correlates of overweight status were compared among a matched cohort of 103 adolescents with asthma, 75 adolescents with asthma characterized by history of a severe acute event, and 92 normal controls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significantly higher rates of overweight status were found among the asthma groups compared to the control group and to population estimates. Significant correlates for overweight status included younger age and earlier age at asthma diagnosis, suggesting that receiving an asthma diagnoses in early childhood may increase the propensity for weight gain.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Asthma and obesity are problematic comorbid conditions, and specialized obesity prevention programs may be particularly necessary at the onset of a new asthma diagnosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Identifying and addressing the factors that may contribute to the potential for obesity among youth with asthma are key research and clinical practice priorities.
authors: Division of Psychosocial Medicine, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA. waldersn@njc.org
authors: Natalie Walders
authors: NW
authors: Abramson
authors: Frederick S
authors: FS
authors: Wamboldt
authors: Anthony L
authors: AL
authors: Mansell
authors: Rick
authors: R
authors: Carter
authors: Monica J
authors: MJ
authors: Federico
authors: Marianne Z
authors: MZ
authors: Wamboldt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States