What Are the Benefits of Weight Loss With COPD & Heart Failure?

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is actually a group of lung issues that interfere with the flow of air to your lungs and can lead to heart failure. Asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema are all part of COPD, and according to the Mayo Clinic, most COPD is a result of cigarette smoking. However, obesity is now being ruled as a significant risk factor in COPD.

How Obesity Leads to COPD

• Obesity is a worldwide problem. It puts a greater strain on the heart, can lead to high blood pressure and diabetes and is often accompanied by high cholesterol. Obesity also causes chronic inflammation within the body. According to the November, 2005 issue of "Biochemical Society Transactions," fat, in the form of white adipose tissue, releases inflammatory signals, which cause the inflammation. A study published in the Aug. 31, 2006 online edition of "Medscape General Medicine" reports that inflammation is what fuels COPD, as it causes restriction in the air passageways, and, therefore, reduced functioning of the lungs. Obesity, especially abdominal fat, also causes pressure on the diaphragm and the chest, which reduces lung capacity and function. All of these factors, directly related to obesity, can lead to obstruction of the airways.

How Weight Loss Improves COPD

• The February 2009 issue of "Today's Dietitian" reports that weight loss often accompanies COPD. Unfortunately, the weight loss they are referring to is due to difficulty eating as a result of poor breathing function. Muscle loss also takes place, as the inability to breathe well makes physical activity difficult. If you are obese, and have been diagnosed with COPD, you must take control of your nutritional status and lose weight with an intentionally healthy program that includes vitamins and nutrients necessary for the health of the body, as well as physical activity that will make your lungs continue to exercise and work on expanding. The immediate effect of healthy weight loss with COPD is the fact that you are lightening the heart's workload, reducing the risk of high blood pressure, which also reduces the risk of heart failure. Less fat in the abdominal area also reduces the physical pressure that is put against the lungs and the diaphragm, which increases the ability of the lungs to expand and take in more air. As mentioned, excess body fat triggers the release of inflammatory markers, which is believed to be one of the major underlying causes of COPD. Less body fat, through weight loss, means less inflammation in the body, which can result in an opening of the airways, and easier breathing.