COPD: Avoiding weight loss

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 medicines that reduce appetite.
• The possibility that COPD may reduce oxygen levels in the blood. This can prevent your body from using food properly.

Poor eating habits and nutrition also contribute to weight loss. For older adults, the cost of food and being isolated from others also play a role in poor eating habits.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Weight loss in COPD may be caused by:

1. Increased use of energy by the body.
2. Depression. People who have COPD may be depressed, which often causes a lack of interest in eating.
3. Shortness of breath, which may make it difficult to prepare and eat foods.

Continue to Why is weight loss a concern in COPD?
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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: May 8, 2008
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology
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