Asthma, exercise and obesity: what the science says, risks and practical guidance

Asthma and obesity

Rates of both obesity and asthma have increased side by side over recent decades, and together they represent a shared public health challenge. Living with obesity increases the risk of developing asthma and is often linked to asthma that is harder to manage. This can involve changes in lung function, ongoing low-grade inflammation in the body, and a weaker response to standard asthma treatment.

Research suggests that some modern medical treatments used for diabetes and obesity may also help improve asthma control. This is thought to be linked to anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, in addition to their impact on metabolism. This supports a more whole-body view of asthma and points to treating metabolic health as a potentially helpful approach for people living with obesity and difficult-to-control asthma.

Weight loss and asthma

For people living with both obesity and asthma, weight loss can have several positive effects on asthma symptoms. As body weight decreases, pressure on the lungs and chest is reduced, which can make breathing feel easier and lessen breathlessness. At the same time, low-grade inflammation in the body may decrease, which can help improve asthma control.

Many people also notice they have more energy in everyday life and that their asthma medication works more effectively. These changes can make it easier to stay active and feel more confident in movement.

Can you exercise if you have asthma and obesity?

Yes. In most cases, people living with both asthma and obesity can and should be physically active. Regular movement can improve fitness, quality of life and perceived asthma control, while also supporting weight loss and better metabolic health.

Asthma does not mean you should avoid exercise, but both asthma symptoms and body weight often mean activity needs to be individually adapted.

Many people with asthma experience breathlessness during physical effort. This is known as exercise-induced asthma. It does not mean that exercise is dangerous, but that the airways react to exertion, especially during high-intensity activity, in cold or dry air, or if the warm-up is too short. With obesity, extra strain on the breathing muscles can also make breathlessness appear earlier, even at moderate intensity.

To make exercise feel safe and sustainable, it is important to start gently and increase intensity gradually. Low- to moderate-intensity activities such as walking, easy cycling, swimming or light strength training are often well tolerated at the beginning. A proper warm-up with a gradual increase in pace can reduce the risk of exercise-induced symptoms.

Training should be adapted to how you feel on the day, and it is always okay to take breaks when needed.

It is recommended to always have your prescribed quick-relief inhaler with you when exercising. If symptoms keep coming back, feel unclear, or make it hard to get started, exercise should be planned together with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

With the right adaptations, good asthma control and a gradual approach, physical activity can become a safe and important part of treatment, for asthma, obesity and long-term health.

Can you exercise if you have asthma?

Yes. Most people with asthma can and should be physically active. Regular exercise has been shown to improve fitness, quality of life and perceived asthma control.

Asthma does not mean avoiding physical activity, but exercise often needs to be adapted to individual symptoms, triggers and treatment plans.

Many people with asthma experience breathlessness during exercise, also known as exercise-induced asthma. This does not mean that exercise is harmful, but that the airways react to exertion, particularly in cold air, at high intensity, or when warm-up is insufficient.

It is recommended to always carry your prescribed inhaler during exercise so you can manage symptoms quickly if needed.

What happens in the body during exercise?

During exercise, the airways are exposed to increased strain. This is especially true in cold or dry air, or when breathing through the mouth rather than the nose. The airways can become irritated and narrow, making breathing feel more difficult.

For people with asthma, this can lead to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and a feeling of tightness in the chest.

At the same time, regular physical activity is beneficial for people with asthma. Exercise can improve fitness, breathing efficiency and tolerance to exertion. Over time, this can reduce symptoms and make breathing feel easier, even during higher levels of activity.

Listening to your body and adjusting exercise to how you feel is important. Staying active over time can make a real difference to both physical capacity and quality of life.

How does exercise affect asthma?

Exercise does not change the underlying condition of asthma, but it can improve how the body copes with physical effort. Training strengthens the heart and lungs, improves oxygen uptake and can reduce everyday breathlessness.

For many people, this leads to greater confidence in movement and less fear around physical activity. Exercise also triggers the release of endorphins, which can lift mood and support overall wellbeing.

It is important to tell the difference between asthma symptoms and normal breathlessness from exertion. With the right adaptations, many people with asthma can exercise without triggering symptoms.

Physical activity for people with asthma

There are no types of exercise that are generally off-limits if you have asthma, but some tend to feel easier than others. Activities with steady intensity and the option to pause, such as walking, cycling, swimming and strength training, work well for many people.

Swimming is often highlighted because warm, humid air is gentler on the airways and may feel less irritating. Strength training can also be a good option, as the load can be adjusted and breathing kept calm and controlled.

High-intensity interval training and running can suit some people, but usually require more careful warm-up and individual adaptation. For more demanding activities, the right medication can be important to help manage symptoms and keep the airways open.

Risks of exercising with asthma

The main risk when exercising with asthma is poor symptom control. Exercising during a flare-up, infection, or without effective treatment can lead to significant breathlessness, coughing or wheezing.

Many people experience airway narrowing during physical activity, especially if asthma is not well managed.

It is important to:

• recognise your early warning signs
• stop exercising if you develop clear breathlessness
• have an up-to-date treatment plan

If you experience unusual or severe breathlessness during exercise, you should seek medical advice to get the right assessment and support.

Exercise should never come at the expense of safety. Ongoing uncertainty or repeated symptoms during activity should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.

It is also recommended to always have a fast-acting reliever inhaler available during exercise.

Warm-up and adaptation – key to safe exercise

Warming up before physical activity is important to reduce the risk of breathing problems and improve airflow, especially if you have asthma. A gradual increase in intensity can lower the risk of exercise-induced symptoms.

Cold air can dry out the airways and increase the risk of airway narrowing, which may worsen asthma symptoms. Cooling down after exercise is also important to reduce the risk of symptoms appearing later.

Exercise should be adapted to how you feel on the day. Asthma symptoms can vary, and it is completely fine to adjust intensity, duration or type of activity based on how your body feels.

Always speak to your doctor before starting a new exercise programme if you have asthma.

Asthma, exercise and long-term health

Regular physical activity is linked to better overall health, whether you have asthma or not. For people with asthma, exercise can improve physical capacity, quality of life and confidence in movement.

It is also worth remembering that activity does not have to be intense to be beneficial. Everyday movement, walking and lighter exercise all play an important role in an active lifestyle.

At Yazen, physical activity is seen as part of the bigger picture of treatment. Exercise is adapted to each person’s symptoms, circumstances and life situation. The focus is on safety, long-term sustainability and building habits that last, rather than performance or quick results.

The aim is for physical activity to feel possible, safe and meaningful over time.

Summary

Asthma does not have to be a barrier to physical activity. With the right treatment, good symptom control and an individually adapted approach to exercise, most people with asthma can stay active in a safe and supportive way.

Regular movement can improve fitness, confidence in the body and quality of life. The most important things are to listen to your body, adjust intensity and activity to how you feel, and seek support from healthcare professionals when needed.

In this way, physical activity can become a natural and sustainable part of a healthy, active life.

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