Frequency and correlates of overweight status in adolescent asthma.
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.
Abramson
Natalie Walders
NW
Division of Psychosocial Medicine, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA. waldersn@njc.org
Wamboldt
Frederick S
FS
Mansell
Anthony L
AL
Carter
Rick
R
Federico
Monica J
MJ
Wamboldt
Marianne Z
MZ
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