Additive Effect of Obesity and Dyslipidemia on Wheezing in Korean Adults: A Nationwide Representative Survey Study

Besides obesity, there are limited studies regarding the relationship between the individual components of metabolic syndrome and wheezing. It is largely unknown whether the co-existence of other metabolic syndrome components has additive effects on wheezing in the adult population. The association between the individual components of metabolic syndrome and current wheezing was evaluated in adults using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2008 to 2012. Subjects with metabolic syndrome more frequently had wheezing during the past 12 months (current wheezing) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.37–1.77) and wheezing during exercise in the past 12 months (aOR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.37–1.84). Of the individual metabolic syndrome components, central obesity (aOR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.31–1.66) and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (aOR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.05–1.34) were significantly associated with current wheezing. There were no significant associations between the other components of metabolic syndrome (high triglyceride level, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose level) and the presence of current wheezing. In addition, the association was much higher when both central obesity and low HDL cholesterol were present together compared to when either of the conditions was present alone (aOR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.44–1.94). There is a significant association between metabolic syndrome and current wheezing in Korean adults. Of the components of metabolic syndrome, low HDL cholesterol and central obesity are independently and additively associated with the increased rate of current wheezing.