Lung ageing is often seen as a slow, unavoidable process driven mainly by smoking. But growing evidence suggests that damage to the lungs can begin much earlier, and for reasons many people would not expect.
Researchers are increasingly looking beyond cigarettes to understand why lung function declines in otherwise healthy adults. Their findings suggest that certain everyday factors may play a role long before any breathing problems become noticeable.
Lung ageing and factors influencing it
Lung ageing refers to the gradual decline in function that occurs as people age. Smoking remains the most powerful known driver of lung function loss. Still, recent research indicates that obesity and low-grade, long‑term inflammation may also contribute meaningfully to this decline.
What the study shows about lung ageing
In a long-term Brazilian cohort study, scientists followed almost 900 adults from their early 20s into their late 30s. Researchers measured lung function at two points roughly 12 years apart. They assessed links between smoking, body mass index (BMI), and levels of C‑reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation in the body.
As expected, people who smoked experienced the greatest drop in lung capacity over time. But smoking was not the only factor researchers linked to declining lung health.
Even after accounting for smoking, higher BMI and elevated CRP levels were each independently associated with additional reductions in lung function. These patterns were seen in people without diagnosed respiratory disease, suggesting that lung ageing can be influenced well before symptoms develop.
How inflammation and obesity affect lung health
Systemic inflammation is a state of persistent, low‑grade immune activation. It is already known to contribute to conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. In the lungs, ongoing inflammation can place stress on tissues, gradually reducing respiratory capacity.
Excess body fat, particularly visceral fat, promotes this inflammatory state by releasing inflammatory molecules into the bloodstream. CRP is commonly used to measure this process, and higher CRP levels in the study were consistently linked with greater lung function decline.
Together, these findings support the idea that inflammation related to excess weight may quietly accelerate lung ageing, even in younger adults.
What this study about lung ageing means for South Africans
South Africa faces a growing burden of obesity and related metabolic conditions alongside persistent tobacco use. While quitting smoking remains the single most important step to protect lung health, this research suggests it should not be the only focus.
Urban lifestyles, sedentary behaviour and changing diets are contributing to rising obesity levels. Addressing these factors could help reduce inflammation and support healthier lungs over the long term.
People concerned about lung ageing and lung health can benefit from improving their overall health. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity helps lower chronic inflammation, which may protect the lungs and the heart.
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