COPD: Avoiding Weight Loss

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Introduction

Key points

Some people with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—especially those with emphysema—may be underweight and malnourished.

• People with COPD often lose weight. When you lose weight, you lose muscle mass, including the muscles that help you breathe. This may make breathing more difficult.
• About 1 out of 4 people with COPD weighs too little for good health, and those who are very underweight, especially those with emphysema, are at higher risk of death than are people with COPD who have a normal weight.¹
• To avoid losing weight and muscle mass, you generally need to eat more foods containing fat and protein. Because eating too much fat and targeting certain nutrients (such as protein) may have health risks, always consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before eating more of these foods to gain weight.

 What causes weight and muscle loss in COPD?

 Why is weight loss a concern in COPD?

 How do I avoid weight loss in COPD?

 Where to go from here

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Last updated:	May 08, 2008
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC