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The relationship between weight and pulmonary outcomes in overweight and obese people with cystic fibrosis
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  • John Welter,
  • Alison Lennox,
  • Sankaran Krishnan,
  • Christy Kim,
  • Sheila Krishnan,
  • Haley Thompson,
  • Emily Mcallister,
  • Kristen Huang,
  • Kasiemobi Nwaedozie,
  • Allen Dozor
John Welter
New York Medical College

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Alison Lennox
New York Medical College
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Sankaran Krishnan
New York Medical College
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Christy Kim
New York Medical College
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Sheila Krishnan
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Haley Thompson
New York Medical College
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Emily Mcallister
New York Medical College
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Kristen Huang
New York Medical College
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Kasiemobi Nwaedozie
New York Medical College
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Allen Dozor
New York Medical College
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Abstract

Introduction: A major focus in CF care aims to increase weight gain. Rates of overweight and obese people with CF have gradually increased over the past decade. Obesity could be a risk for restriction of lung volumes and airway obstruction as well as increase rates of pulmonary exacerbations in people with CF. Methods: Patients 6 years of age and older were categorized into weight categories based on the CDC definitions. A retrospective chart review was conducted to obtain lung function testing and other outcomes. Results: 107 patients with a median age of 20.6 years were included in this analysis. 8.4%, 64%, 18% and 10% of patients were underweight, normal/healthy weight, overweight and obese respectively. FEV1 and FVC (% predicted) did not differ between patients with weights in the normal range vs. patients in the overweight/obese categories. Linear regression analysis showed a direct correlation between BMI and FEV1 that continued as BMI entered overweight and obese categories in both pediatric and adult patients. Overweight/obese patients did not have increased rates of pulmonary exacerbations compared to those in the normal/healthy weight category. Conclusion: As CF therapies continue to improve, an increasing number of people with CF are exceeding the CDC’s normal weight range. Gaining weight past the normal range does not appear to negatively impact pulmonary health of people with CF. If this trend of increased weight gain continues, it remains to be seen if it will eventually negatively affect lung health.