Abstract
Background: Obesity is the most common metabolic disease in the world which has now become an important worldwide contributor to morbidity and mortality. Obesity can have detrimental effects on respiratory functions with increased body mass index (BMI) being associated with a reduction in lung function parameters.

Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of BMI on pulmonary function in overweight young adults.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional was conducted among 100 overweight medical students. The participants were examined for anthropometric parameters such as height and weight. BMI was calculated, and those having a BMI of more than 25 kg/m2 were included in the study. Pulmonary function tests were measured in all the study participants using the computerized spirometer. The correlation was assessed between BMI and the lung function parameters.

Results: Significant gender difference was found in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in first second, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Among all pulmonary function parameters, BMI correlated significantly with PEFR in both genders.

Conclusion: This study showed that there is a significant correlation between BMI and PEFR in both genders.

Key words: Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Body Mass Index; Overweight; Gender Difference