Avoiding weight loss when you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
What causes weight and muscle loss in COPD?
Although the reasons for weight and muscle loss in COPD are not completely understood, experts believe that it happens because of a combination of factors. These include:
- Using more energy overall (perhaps due to the increased energy required to breathe).
- Using more energy during physical activity.
- Eating less because of shortness of breath. Shortness of breath may make it difficult to shop for, prepare, and eat foods.
- Using oral corticosteroids, which increase the breakdown of muscle tissue in the body.
- Less interest in food. People who have COPD may be depressed (causing a lack of interest in eating) or may be taking medications that reduce appetite.
- The possibility that COPD may reduce oxygen levels in the blood. This can prevent your body from using food properly.
- COPD affecting your entire body, not just your lungs.
Poor eating habits and nutrition also contribute to weight loss. In older adults, the cost of food and being isolated from others also play a role in poor eating habits.
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| Author: | Lila Havens Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: June 16, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology | |
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