Obesity-Asthma Association Varies by Race, Ethnicity

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of asthma in children and adolescents, although the connection varies by race and ethnicity, a new study found. 

The study, which followed 681,000 children between 6 and 19 years old, found the strongest association is Hispanic children, with the weakest, surprisingly in African Americans, the group previously known to have the highest prevalence of asthma. 

Among those with asthma, being overweight was associated with more trips to doctors and emergency care for asthma-related issues.  These children also used more asthma drugs when compared with those with asthma of a healthy weight. 

"This research contributes to the growing evidence that there is a relationship between childhood obesity and asthma, and suggests that factors related to race and ethnicity, particularly for Hispanic youth, may modify this relationship," researchers wrote.

-Michael Potts