Prevalence of and the potential physiopathological mechanisms involved in dyspnea in individuals with class II or III obesity.

Objective: To investigate dyspnea in individuals with Class II or III obesity and look for correlations among the respiratory data related to such individuals.

Methods: This study involved 49 subjects with a body mass index >35 kg/m(2), divided into two groups (those with dyspnea and those without). The baseline dyspnea index was evaluated, as were spirometry findings, maximal respiratory pressures and arterial blood gas analysis.

Impaired quality of life of healthy young smokers.

Study Objective: To investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQL) profile of healthy young subjects with a short smoking history.

Design: Observational data at a single point in time.

Setting: Survey in two public universities.