Muscle weakness, weight loss, and nutrition in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

The severe, long-term shortness of breath seen in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can result in you being less active and getting less exercise. This in turn can result in weight loss. The weight loss causes the body to break down muscle, and you become weaker. This can lead to increased shortness of breath and even less activity. A vicious cycle starts that can eventually lead to loss of independence.

About 1 in every 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

While the reasons for the weight loss and loss of muscle in COPD are not completely understood, experts believe that it happens because of a combination of factors. These may include:

• Increased use of energy and nutrients by the body (perhaps due to the increased energy required to breathe).
• Using more energy during physical activity.
• Frequent need for 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 be causing too little oxygen to get into the blood. This can prevent your body from using food properly.

Poor eating habits and nutrition also contribute to weight loss. In older adults, the cost of food and being isolated from others may result in poor eating habits.

A person with COPD also may find that eating makes it harder to breathe; a full stomach may press on the diaphragm, making breathing more difficult. Holding the breath while chewing or swallowing may be uncomfortable if you are already short of breath.

Avoiding weight loss

A balanced, healthful diet is important for maintaining your strength, weight, and activity level. It also helps strengthen your immune system, which is important in fighting lung infections prevalent in those with COPD. A registered dietitian can help you determine your nutritional and caloric needs.

For more information, see:

Eating with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Avoiding weight loss in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Citations

1. Barnes PJ (2000). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 343(4): 269–280.