Obesity and aging.
In this article, the combined effects of aging and obesity on the respiratory system are examined. Following a concise epidemiologic overview of the prevalence of obesity among older adults, the occurrence of prospective, often variable, health consequences related to this trend are considered as well as the observed effects of the association of both aging and obesity on respiratory anatomy, physiology, and diseases. Last, findings of research related to weight loss on respiratory function in obese older adults are summarized.
Harrington
John
J
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Sleep Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA. harringtonj@njc.org
Lee-Chiong
Teofilo
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation / Q000502:physiology; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology; D015431:Weight Loss