Abstract
Background: Obesity has become a global epidemic. The prevalence and severity of obesity in young adult females are dramatically increasing worldwide. Along with other organs, respiratory system is also compromised. Obesity is likely the cause of pulmonary function decline which is linked to early morbidity and mortality. The maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) test evaluates the respiratory endurance and is influenced by the respiratory muscle strength, the lung and chest compliance, and the control of breathing and airway resistance. In the case of obese individuals, this variable is reduced mainly by mechanical injury to the respiratory muscles, caused in particular by the excessive weight on the thorax. Hence, this study was done to know the impact of obesity on MVV in adult females.

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the pulmonary function test (PFT) parameter in obese adult females and non-obese adult female patient and to evaluate the impact of obesity on MVV.

Materials and Methods: PFTs of 50 normal, healthy, non-obese females and 50 healthy but obese females, age group 18-30 years of Hubli city were determined and were compared. Criteria for obesity in our study taken were according to the WHO criteria of body mass index. The PFT was carried out with computerized Spirometer Eazy on-PC model. MVV parameter was used as a measure of lung function.

Results: In our study, obese females had MVV (liters) of 58 ± 12.2, whereas corresponding values in controls was 87 ± 66. There was
statistically highly significant difference between two groups (P < 0.01). There was statistically significant lower MVV in the obese group than the non-obese group (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: In our study, MVV was significantly reduced in obese females compared to non-obese female. These data demonstrate MVV of obese adult females were significantly reduced when compared to the normal weight counterparts. Obesity had a significant impact on MVV parameter.

Key words: Obesity; Adult Women; Pulmonary Function Test; Maximum Voluntary Ventilation