Participants with rapidly increasing BMI from childhood to adolescence showed lower lung function by age 24, according to a recent study. 

The study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, evaluated the impact of early body mass index (BMI) trajectories on lung function, analyzing longitudinal data from the Swedish BAMSE cohort. Six BMI trajectories were identified, spanning from birth to early adulthood: stable normal, above normal, persistent low, accelerated increasing, accelerated resolving, and persistent high. Lung function was assessed at ages 8, 16, and 24 using pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry, with additional small airway function testing at 24.

Key findings indicated participants in the “accelerated increasing” BMI group had significantly reduced Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second/Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/FVC) z-scores and elevated lung clearance index (LCI) values at age 24, suggestive of impaired lung function. Similarly, participants in the “persistent high” BMI group demonstrated decreased growth in lung function between ages 16 and 24, with an FEV1 z-score reduction of -0.24 and elevated LCI. In contrast, participants in the “accelerated resolving” BMI group, which normalized to a stable BMI by adulthood, did not exhibit these impairments.

Additionally, metabolomic profiling at age 24 indicated associations between specific metabolites related to histidine metabolism and lung function parameters, suggesting potential biomarker pathways for lung health linked to BMI trajectories. The findings suggest early BMI management could support lung function development and reduce long-term respiratory risks.

Full disclosures can be found in the manuscript. This manuscript was recently accepted for publication in the European Respiratory Journal and is available here in its pre-production form. Following copyediting, typesetting, and author approval of the final proofs, it will be published in an upcoming online issue of the journal.