Determinants of Overweight and Obesity in Lung Transplant Recipients

Background: Obesity-related diseases have been shown to affect post-lung transplantation survival. An estimated 30% of lung transplant recipients develop overweight. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the possible determinants of large increases in weight after lung transplantation. The contribution of physical activity, food intake, and resting energy expenditure was examined in lung transplant recipients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study 21 overweight lung transplant recipients (11 men, mean age 57 8 7 years; BMI 30 8 3) and 21 normal-weight lung transplant recipients (11 men, mean age 56 8 5 years; BMI 22 8 3) were matched for disease, gender, age, prescribed medication, and time since lung transplantation. Physical activity was measured by a pedometer and a questionnaire; resting energy expenditure was measured by the ventilated-hood technique, and daily food intake by a dietician. Additionally, fat-free mass, lower-body strength, and fatigue were measured. Results: Received: May 26, 2010 Accepted after revision: November 12, 2010 Published online: January 5, 2011 Linda Bossenbroek University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonology Hanzeplein 1 NL–9700 RB Groningen (The Netherlands) Tel. +31 50 361 4770, Fax +31 50 361 9320, E-Mail l.bossenbroek @ long.umcg.nl © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel 0025–7931/11/0821–0028$38.00/0 Accessible online at: www.karger.com/res D ow nl oa de d by : 54 .7 0. 40 .1 1 11 /2 3/ 20 17 2 :1 5: 54 P M