Weight loss

[Chalky2]

I have copd and have been losing weight since June of last year I was 11and a half stone I am now only 8 stone 12 pounds I do eat quite well so why am I still losing weight I am worried about it can anyone relate to my problem please Pauline

[Caspiana]

Hello Pauline, 👋😊

I'm not sure what your underlying disease is but weight loss is fairly common in people with lung disease because energy requirements are above the needs of someone with no breathing issues due to the amount of energy required simply to draw breath with diseased lungs. In general COPD patients (and many with other lung diseases, like cystic fibrosis) are underweight and have reduced muscle mass.

However your weight loss has taken quite a big dip since June so I would recommend you speak to your doctor about it as soon as you are able. Take good care Pauline. xx 💕

[Ergendl]

It might be an idea to ask your doctor to refer you to see a dietitian, who will do a dietary assessment and give suggestions on improving your diet, and may recommend food supplements.

[skischool]

Pauline,it can be quite alarming losing weight and there are various reasons for doing so as Cas has explained and it is well worth checking things out with your GP.however in the meantime have a little look at the BMI calculator i am including as a link and you may find it is of some reassurance in that you may not be as underweight clinically as you imagine.

nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-we...

Best wishes Ski's and Scruff's x

[Daisy55]

My husband has been exactly the same , he was referred to a dietician who prescribed food supplements that top up his weight . He regularly sees the dietician about every three months . They call it disease malnourishment , where the body uses all its nourishment to fight the disease . The dietician is excellent , I would highly recommend it .

[Chalky2 in reply to Daisy55]

I will certain push to see a dietician thank you

[jackdup]

I would check with your doctor as perhaps you have developed an issue in your digestive tract. Crohns for example can cause malabsorption or weight loss. It certainly could be lung disease but think it best to be checked by your doctor.

[Chalky2 in reply to jackdup]

I have had an endoscopy and a full body scan and nothing showed up

[jackdup in reply to Chalky2]

Have they done a barium follow through? Crohns is often in the small intestine so an endoscopy doesn’t reach it nor does a colonoscopy.

I am not trying to outguess your doctor just want to be sure the GI tract has been completely checked/tested.

Good luck and hope you find some answers soon

[Chalky2 in reply to jackdup]

Thank you

[Kristicats]

That’s a big drop if you calorie intake hasn’t changed and the weight loss continues at that rate. Please get it checked out with your gp ASAP. Meanwhile try to keep your calorie intake up to at least 2000 daily.