RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Obesity increases the risk of incident asthma among adults JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP 282 OP 288 DO 10.1183/09031936.05.00054304 VO 25 IS 2 A1 E. Rönmark A1 C. Andersson A1 L. Nyström A1 B. Forsberg A1 B. Järvholm A1 B. Lundbäck YR 2005 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/25/2/282.abstract AB The annual incidence of asthma in adults in northern Sweden has been estimated at 2.3 per thousand population. Risk factors for incident asthma among adults were studied in a case–referent study based on incident cases of asthma during 1995–1999. The healthcare providers reported suspected cases of incident asthma. After clinical examination, 309 (65% female) of 473 reported subjects were included. Inclusion criteria were a history of incident asthma (onset <12 months) and verified bronchial variability. Referents were randomly selected and stratified by age, sex and area of residence. The significant risk factors were hay fever, a family history of asthma, ex-smoking status and elevated body mass index (25.0–29.9 and ≥30). The risk factor pattern was similar for females and males, and increased body mass index was a significant risk factor for both males and females, as well as for allergic and nonallergic subjects. In conclusion, in addition to hay fever, a family history of asthma, allergic sensitisation and ex-smoking status, increased body mass index was a significant risk factor for incident asthma independent of sex and allergic status.