Hello

[nell55]

Hello

I am new to this group. I am having trouble keeping my weight up. I have bronchiectasis, diagnosed 9 months. Is this part of the condition?

[Hidden]

Hi Nel55 I have had bronchiectasis all of my life (64 years). For me, managing to keep my weight up has always been a problem. We are all different though and some bronchs have the opposite problem

[burlingamex8 in reply to Hidden]

I wish I could say we all lose weight from bronchiechtasis. I have dealt with the condition for several years, and maintain the same weight (however little) unless I get pneumonia or something that hits me hard. Your Gp should recommend a pulmonary doc.

[skischool]

Nell,lung diseases can contribute to weight loss and maintaining weight but there are many,many.and even many more reasons you could be struggling with maintaining weight so you need to see your GP to establish why.Good luck from skinny skischool.

[Badbessie]

I have the same problem. See your Doctor and ask to be referred to a dietitian. People with Copd can use a high amount of calories just breathing. I have about 3000 calories a day containing about 120gms of protein and I am slowly gaining weight. There are a number of products out there to help you but seek advice first.

[Claudine]

Oh yes, I recognise this! Can't eat heavy meals so tend to snack a lot. I have my blood sugar checked every year because I know I eat more sugar than most people but I need the calories. Coughing in itself uses a lot of calories and can be exhausting. Can't tolerate too much in the way of carbs - makes me feel bloated. It's a constant battle. Just come back from hols where most people put weight on but, guess what, I lost a bit! Constant battle. Good luck. Tell us what the dietician advises if you see one.

[nell55]

Thank you all for your comments. I have seen my GP and had further tests which have not shown any cause. I have not been offered a dietician so perhaps this is my next step.

Thanks again, it's good to know others have a similar challenge

[Beth1949]

I have never been overweight. But when I get sick with a lung infection, my appetite goes way down.

Several years ago, I had walking pneumonia and had no appetite at all. I was down to 114 lbs (I'm 5"6" tall). My husband was getting concerned, so I forced myself to eat protein bars There are also high protein/calories drinks as well.

Having bronchiectasis, your body uses more calories (10% more) to breath and function.

Beth

[goat-lady]

Hello I have a different lung complaint but also struggle with maintaining weight. Have tried lots of different diets but in the end I've binned them all. I just eat what I fancy when I fancy it! Paleo/fruit bars and smoothies along with ginger biscuits and tiny slices of pizza do the trick. But when ill, weight plummets. Seems to be part n parcel of some lung problems.