Symposium on Obesity and Asthma –November 2, 2006

Asthma and obesity are frequently associated, and obesity has been considered a factor contributing to both an increase in severity of asthma and to its development. The present document summarizes the proceedings of a symposium held in Montreal, Quebec, on November 2, 2006, under the auspices of the Reseau en sante respiratoire du Fonds de la recherche en sante du Quebec in collaboration with the McGill University – Strauss Severe Asthma Program, Universite Laval (Quebec City) and Universite de Montreal. It includes an overview of the various aspects of the relationships between asthma and obesity with regard to animal models; genetic, hormonal and physiological determinants; influence of comorbidities (eg, sleep apnea syndrome); epidemiology; clinical and psychological features; and management of asthma in the obese population.