International Journal of Scientific Research in Dental and Medical Sciences

International Journal of Scientific Research in Dental and Medical Sciences

Variation in Peak Expiratory Flow Rate with Anthropometric Parameters, BMI and Waist Hip Ratio among Medical Students: A Cross Sectional Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Anagha A L
Dhanya M S
Anu IOMSA Elizabeth Joy
Shiny Iomsa George
Neenu Iomsa Sunil A
Department of Physiology, Azeezia institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kollam, Kerala, India
10.30485/ijsrdms.2025.550216.1682
Abstract
Background and aim: Obesity is considered a challenging problem in all age groups, especially in children and adolescents. In various epidemiological studies, high Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, and Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) have been identified as risk factors for many chronic diseases, including respiratory diseases. Among these, waist circumference and Waist-to-Hip Ratio are important parameters for identifying central obesity. Our aim is to determine the correlation between Peak Expiratory Flow Rate(PEFR) and anthropometric parameters, including height, weight, BMI, and Waist-Hip Ratio.
Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 102 medical students to assess the effects of height, weight, BMI, Waist circumference, and Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) on PEFR. All subjects were informed about the study, and a demonstration of the procedure was provided. Height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference were recorded. WHR and BMI were calculated. BMI was derived using Quetlet’s index. PEFR was recorded using Wright’s peak flow meter. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS. Pearson correlation was used for data analysis.
Results: The present study showed negative correlations between weight, BMI, waist circumference, and WHR and PEFR. The correlation between WHR and PEFR was not significant. It also showed a positive correlation between height and PEFR.
Conclusions: Our study found that height, weight, BMI, and waist circumference affect PEFR values. Among those, increased adiposity, BMI, waist circumference, and Waist-to-Hip Ratio are associated with lower PEFR. PEFR values are higher in people with increased height.
Keywords
Body Mass Index, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate, Waist Circumference, Waist-Hip Ratio

Subjects

International Journal of Scientific Research in Dental and Medical Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 December 2025

  • Receive Date 03 October 2025
  • Revise Date 27 November 2025
  • Accept Date 05 December 2025
  • Publish Date 10 December 2025