Association of body mass index with atopy and allergic diseases

Background Prevalence of atopy, allergic diseases, and obesity are increasing. Atopy is an individu and/or familial tendency to sensitization in response to ordinary exposure to allergens. Obesity is defined as body mass index (BMI) greater or equal to 95 percentile. Research on association of BMI with atopy and allergic diseases in children were limited, with inconclusive results. Objective To assess association of BMI with atopy and allergic diseases in chidren. Methods A cross-sectional was conducted in school children aged 6-12 years in Lhokseumawe City, Aceh, June 2012. Children were assessed for BMI, skin prick test, and International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Fisher exact, and logistic regression. Results Children consisted of 137 (85.6%) normoweight, 12 (7.5%) overweight, and 11 (6.9%) obesity. Skin prick test results were positive in 44 (27.5%) and negative in 116 (72.5%) subjects. Allergic manifestations were allergic rhinitis (AR) 17 (10.6%), bronchial asthma 6 (3.8%), and atopic dermatitis (AD) 3 (1.9%). There was significant association of obesity with atopy, compared with normoweight (OR=3.78; 95%CI 1.08 to 13.19; P=0.037), but no significant association found when family history of atopy also assesed. There was significant association of obesity with bronchial asthma (OR=9.92; 95%CI 1.46 to 67.18; P=0.004) and AR (OR=6.49; 95%CI 1.64 to 25.66; P=0.015), compared with normoweight. Significant association of overweight with atopy and allergic disease was not found. Conclusion Obesity significantly associates with atopy, bronchial asthma, and AR, but overweight and normoweight do not