COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and Weight Management: Implications, Risks, and Additional Information

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and Weight Management: Implications, Risks, and Additional Information

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious respiratory condition that affects millions worldwide. In the United States, it is the leading cause of death [1]. One of the complications associated with COPD is weight loss, which can significantly impact a person's quality of life and prognosis.

Weight loss in COPD is primarily due to increased energy expenditure and reduced nutritional intake. Breathing requires more effort in COPD, leading to an increase in calories burned just to maintain respiration. Symptoms like breathlessness can also reduce appetite and food intake, while muscle wasting occurs due to inflammation, smoking-related muscle degradation, and an imbalance between muscle protein synthesis and breakdown [1][3].

To prevent or manage weight loss, several strategies can be employed. Firstly, a balanced, nutritious diet with adequate calories and protein is essential to support energy needs and maintain muscle mass [3][4]. Eating small, frequent meals can help avoid bloating that may worsen breathing [4].

Regular physical activity or pulmonary rehabilitation is also crucial for preserving muscle strength and improving exercise tolerance [2][3]. Working with healthcare professionals such as dietitians can help personalise a nutrition plan and maintain a healthy weight [2].

Managing anxiety and depression, which can affect appetite and motivation to eat well, is equally important [2]. Ensuring adequate rest and sleep can reduce energy expenditure from fatigue and illness [2].

Maintaining proper nutrition is beneficial for COPD patients. It helps strengthen respiratory muscles, reduce infections, and improve overall quality of life [3]. To increase calorie intake, people can use date syrup or honey to sweeten drinks and food, put peanut butter in snacks and sandwiches, mix in a teaspoon of olive oil into hot foods, drink smoothies with nut butter, berries, or added proteins, eat high-calorie snacks such as walnuts, olives, dried fruits, and almonds [1].

Muscle atrophy, or the loss of muscle tissue, can make everyday tasks more difficult for people with COPD. About half of people living with COPD experience weight loss [1]. Lack of appetite can lead to an unhealthy cycle: the body breaks down muscle to use for fuel because it is not getting enough nutrients, muscles become weaker, a person has difficulty breathing, and someone with a reduced appetite does not take in enough nutrients [1].

People with COPD need about 430-720 extra calories a day to accommodate for the extra work it takes to breathe [1]. Depression can lead to weight loss, meaning a person living with both COPD and depression may experience unwanted weight loss for this reason, too [1].

Doctors may help the person come up with additional strategies to help them get more calories and maintain a higher quality of life. COPD-related weight loss, or COPD wasting, means the person is losing muscle mass, which can cause weight loss and reduced function [1]. The severity of a person's COPD affects their weight loss. Only severe cases of COPD lead to a person being underweight. If a person has a milder case of COPD, they are more likely to be overweight [1].

A balanced diet that includes whole, unprocessed foods low in cholesterol, salt, saturated fats, trans fats, or added sugars is recommended for people living with COPD who have experienced weight loss [1]. Maintaining good nutrition can help a person living with COPD maintain a higher quality of life and help prevent comorbidities and death [1].

Loss of appetite is the most common cause of weight loss for people with COPD [1]. A person should talk with their doctor or treatment team if they struggle to maintain their weight [1]. People with COPD have reported difficulty breathing, food not tasting as good, COPD medications leading to a lack of hunger, and preparing meals being too tiring as factors affecting their appetite [1].

Nutritional therapy may be an effective treatment tool for people living with COPD [1]. If you or a loved one is living with COPD and struggling with weight loss, it's essential to seek professional advice and support.

1. To address COPD-related weight loss and improve quality of life, a balanced, nutritious diet which includes adequate calories and protein, is vital [3][4].
2. People with COPD may require 430-720 extra calories a day to accommodate for increased energy expenditure from breathing [1].
3. Managing chronic diseases and medical conditions, as well as controlling chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, requires good nutrition, for it can help strengthen respiratory muscles and prevent infections [3].
4. Nutritional therapy could be an effective treatment for individuals living with COPD, as it may help maintain a higher quality of life and prevent comorbidities and death [1].

Read also: