Obesity is a risk factor for the development of asthma
Obesity is associated significantly with the development of asthma, worsening asthma symptoms, and poor asthma control. This leads to increase medication use and hospitalizations. In 2010, the obesity rate among adults with current asthma (38.8%) was significantly higher than the rate among adults without current asthma (26.8%).
Obesity rates differ from state to state. The rate among adults with current asthma was significantly higher than the rate among adults without current asthma in almost all states (except AL, AR, DE, KS, MN, ND, NE, and NY), Puerto Rico, and the two territories. The highest obesity rates are clustered in the Midwest and South.