title: Obesity, diet, and activity in relation to asthma and wheeze among rural dwelling children and adolescents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We investigated associations between weight status, activity level, and diet with asthma or wheeze as well as the interrelationship between these factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a case-control study of 6-18-year olds from 2005 to 2007. Cases (n = 87) were subjects reporting episodes or breathing medication use along with doctor-diagnosed asthma or wheeze in the past 12 months. Controls were randomly selected (n = 208) and without asthma or wheeze. Data regarding health outcomes, diet, and activity were obtained from questionnaire. Objectively measured height and weight were collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the adjusted analysis, there was a trend (P = 0.07) towards an increased risk of asthma or wheeze associated with high fast food and/or pop consumption. Among cases, a significantly lower proportion (66%) classified as overweight participated in hard exercise in ≥9 of the past 14 days compared to those who were not overweight (86%). This pattern was not seen among controls (76% participating in hard exercise versus 78%, resp.). However, based on perceived weight status by the parent, the patterns were similar regardless of case-control status.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overweight status may negatively impact activity level among those with asthma or wheeze. Efforts should be made to encourage healthy food choices, and activity programming must consider the needs of overweight children with asthma.
authors.affiliation: Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan, 3641-103 Hospital Drive, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 0W8 ; Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7J 5B6.
authors.forename: Joshua A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lawson
authors.forename: Donna C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Rennie
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Dosman
authors.forename: Allison L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Cammer
authors.forename: Ambikaipakan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Senthilselvan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D001835:Body Weight; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D003367:Cotinine / Q000378:metabolism; D004032:Diet; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D012424:Rural Population; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D003367:Cotinine