Obesity and respiratory complications

Fat deposition in the neck, upper airway,

chest wall and abdomen can impair the

mechanical function of the respiratory system,

usually by reducing lung volumes. In general,

the effects of obesity alone are mild and are

typically in proportion to the degree of

obesity.1-3 Falls in the expiratory reserve

volume (ERV) and the functional residual

capacity (FRC) are the commonest findings.