Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can cause people to lose weight for a variety of reasons, this is particularly common as the disease progresses. An increased effort to breath, shortness of breath whilst eating, taste changes, dry mouth and general loss of appetite are common.

It's therefore important to keep an eye on your weight and to raise any concerns with your doctors or nurses. Please see the useful documents section below for advice to help minimise weight loss and keep your strength up. This advice is especially for people with COPD. Some people with COPD may also benefit from losing weight to ease pressure on their lungs or may want some general healthy eating advice.

If you would like more detailed advice to help with unplanned weight loss or being underweight, please see our Poor Appetite section. 

Some people with COPD may also benefit from losing weight to ease pressure on their lungs or may want some general healthy eating advice. Please see Eating Well For Your Lungs for more information. The Healthy Eating section of our website may also be helpful. 

Please note the "healthy" BMI range for somebody with COPD is considered to be 20-30kg/m2. You generally do not need to lose weight if your BMI is within this range. If you are unsure, please speak to a healthcare professional.