Scientists have discovered a link between asthma and obesity which may explain why so many overweight people develop the condition.
The study conducted by the Medical Research Council-Asthma UK centre, based in London, discovered that cells which create inflammation in the lungs are also linked with increased appetite.
Lead researcher Dr David Cousins said: "There is an opportunity for a vicious circle, where your obesity makes your asthma worse and your asthma makes your obesity worse.
"Both obesity and asthma are massive diseases worldwide and it would be really good if we could find something that would help both.
The number of individuals with obesity and asthma has risen dramatically over the past decade. Obesity rates amonst children who are six years old has doubled and trebled among 15 year olds.
Asthma number have doubled in the last twenty years and now affects five million peole in the UK and costs the NHS £900 million per year.