Background: Obesity impairs quality of life by causing various hazardous effects on respiratory functions of an individual along with
other medical complications. The objective of the study was to evaluate effect of body fat percentage on ERV in young adults of
Indian population.
Method: 120 students of 18-25 years age group who had no lung disease were recruited. Their age, sex, height, weight was recorded.
Students with BMI 18.5- 24.9 kg/m2 constituted control group and students with BMI 25.0 -29.9kg/m2 constituted study group.
Skinfold thickness was calculated using 4-site method (biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac) with the help of Skinfold Caliper.
Body fat percentage was calculated by using Durnin and Womersley method. ERV was recorded by computerised spirometry. The
statistical analysis was done using appropriate tests.
Result: The study group presented with lower values of ERV than control group. Moreover ERV was having strong negative
correlation with body fat percentage.
Conclusion: The effect of body fat percentage on ERV indicates that obesity affects pulmonary mechanics of an individual