Abstract
Background: Studies have shown an inverse relationship between waist circumference (WC) and lung function in adults and elderly. The long term effects of such association, as well as its relation to adolescence are not yet established. Aim: to evaluate the effects of the WC difference between 15 and 18 years old on lung function parameters at age 18 years. Methods: a cohort study (The Pelotas 1993 Birth Cohort) using data from follow-up visits at 15 and 18 years. WC was evaluated using the difference, in standard deviations, between 15 and 18 years old, adjusted for height in both periods. Spirometry was performed to obtain Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) as absolute (liters) and % of predicted values (using Brazilian equation). Multivariate Linear regression models were performed adjusting for confounders and stratified by sex. Results: From 5,249 original members 4,106 were evaluated at 18 years old with a follow-rate of 81.4% (including deaths). Spirometry was performed in 3,899 individuals. There was an inverse relationship between the WC difference and FEV1 among males, both for absolute (FEV1 β = -0,029 [IC 95% -0.054; -0.004]; FVC β = -0,026 [IC 95% -0.053; 0.000]) and for predicted values (FEV1 β = -0.661 [IC 95% -1.259; -0.063]; FVC β = -0,591 [IC 95% -1.168; -0.015]). For females no statistically significant differences were found. Conclusion: WC difference between 15 and 18 years was negatively associated with lung function at 18 years old, only in males. However, the magnitude of this association was low.
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