Mixed
Weight loss interventions (calorie-restricted diet, intragastric balloon, bariatric surgery) significantly improve lung function parameters (ERV, FRC, TLC) and reduce metabolic syndrome in obese individuals.
If you are obese and experiencing breathing difficulties or reduced lung capacity, losing weight is the most effective way to reverse these specific physical impairments. You do not need to reach a 'normal' BMI to see benefits; even modest weight loss through diet, medical devices like intragastric balloons, or surgery can significantly improve your lung volumes (ERV, FRC) and reduce the mechanical load on your respiratory muscles. Focus on any sustainable weight loss strategy, as the pulmonary benefits are directly proportional to the reduction in excess adipose tissue.
Weight loss caused by various types of treatment, including low-calorie diet, intragastric balloon, and bariatric surgery, significantly improves lung function and metabolic syndrome and reduces body mass index.
Why this rating
The paper is a review citing multiple studies showing consistent improvements, though it notes a need for more longitudinal randomized studies.
Source
Obesity: systemic and pulmonary complications, biochemical abnormalities, and impairment of lung function
Thiago Thomáz Mafort et al. · Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine · 2016
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