The Asthma-Weight-Gain Connection Asthmatics are overweight as a group, according to Karen McCoy, MD, chief of the division of pulmonary medicine at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. "There are many factors involved in asthmatic patients gaining or losing weight, but the most important factor is how well they manage their disease." Here are some of the other factors that may influence your weight: If you're obese, you're more likely to have asthma. Being overweight increases the risk of developing allergies and asthma. As you get older, your body produces less of the hormone insulin, which helps control blood sugar levels. This reduction in insulin production can lead to increased hunger and decreased fat burning. Because older adults tend to lose weight due to reduced activity and changes in eating habits, this issue is especially common among those who live alone or don't have anyone to help them manage medications or monitor food intake. Women have higher rates of obesity than men. The reason for this discrepancy isn't clear, but it could be related to differences in body composition or genetics. People with asthma are more likely to eat fast food and snacks high in sugar and salt.