Writing about the size of a woman’s breast is a delicate subject and one that I hope is treated right and with respect and decency. I do not intend to pen anything that is intentionally offensive, insensitive or sexist. If I do, please accept my apology in advance.

While too many men equate the size of a woman’s breast with her lung capacity, it really isn’t true, although the size can impact how well a woman’s lung may function. I say that because a doctor I once knew told me that women with larger breasts suffer from issues with the muscles in the chest and back which in turn impact their shoulders, posture, back and even the performance of the lungs. He said that sometimes, larger breasts mean that the lungs do not function to their intended ability. They do not inhale as much air and have a more difficult time in exhaling the used air. In the long run, this could make their healing from some respiratory conditions more difficult. I remembered his words as I read the following report:

Women with a fuller bust can suffer from colds and respiratory illnesses for twice as long as their smaller chested counterparts, according to a recent study from a medical journal.

Those with F-cup sized breasts suffered colds, coughs, and flu for an average of 8.3 days, compared to women with AA-sized chests who were under the weather for only 3.8 days. It may sound like nonsense, but there is some science behind it, trust us…

In the study published by the journal of Archives of Sexual Behaviour, more than 400 women were asked about how much they had suffered from colds and flu over the last three years. The research concluded: “Breast size was positively related to respiratory infections.”

The medical thinking behind the study and findings is that the fat in breasts weakens the immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight respiratory infections. Common colds can also hit those with a bigger cup size more frequently than those with smaller breasts, due to the hormone called leptin found in fat cells in the breasts, which can reduce the body’s ability to stave off illnesses in the first place.

Leptin is produced from fat cells and the amount produced is directly related to a person’s body fat percentage. Within the body, it controls the appetite by signaling to the brain when to stop eating and helps the brain regulate energy consumption throughout the day.

My mom had large breasts and often suffered from colds and other respiratory ailments. Her sister did not have large breasts and rarely suffered from a cold and when she did catch one, it was over in no time.

I’ve seen the same thing happen in other families where sisters or moms and daughters suffered differently from colds and other respiratory ailments. Those with the larger breasts were the ones that suffered the longest while those with the smaller breasts suffered less.

The back and shoulder issues associated with large breasts have led some women to have their breasts reduced in size. Considering the fact of how larger breasts impact the functioning of the lungs, and the muscles and bones of the chest and back, it seems that smaller breasts are healthier than larger breasts.