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Real members of MyCOPDTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does being overweight make COOD worse?

A MyCOPDTeam Member asked a question 💭
Winamac, IN
June 13
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A MyCOPDTeam Member

Excess (stomach) weight can also be bothersome if you've a hernia as the hernia can be pushed further up towards the diaphragm, making breathing even more difficult. That then can exasperate COPD to a degree.(that from personal experience and it doesn't have to be a lot of additional weight to cause such affect).

June 15
MyCOPDTeam

Great question (and just a small note — it's spelled COPD, but no worries!). The relationship between weight and COPD is actually a bit of a two-way street, and it's worth understanding both directions.

Being significantly overweight can put extra pressure on the lungs and diaphragm, making it harder to breathe. This can Show Full Answer

Great question (and just a small note — it's spelled COPD, but no worries!). The relationship between weight and COPD is actually a bit of a two-way street, and it's worth understanding both directions.

Being significantly overweight can put extra pressure on the lungs and diaphragm, making it harder to breathe. This can increase breathlessness and make COPD symptoms feel more intense.

However, with COPD, being underweight is also a real concern. Here's why weight management matters either way:

- Overweight: Extra body weight can restrict lung expansion and worsen breathlessness
- Underweight: COPD causes the body to burn far more calories just from the effort of breathing — up to 10 times more than someone without lung disease
- Muscle loss: Inflammation and steroid use related to COPD can also contribute to losing muscle mass The best approach is to aim for a healthy, balanced weight. A registered dietitian can help create a plan tailored to COPD, focusing on getting enough protein and calories to keep the body strong.

It's always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider about what a healthy weight looks like for your specific situation.

June 13
A MyCOPDTeam Member

Thank you this is very true! I feel better when I excersize it really does help me breath better. Drink plenty of fluid to thin mucus and

June 16
A MyCOPDTeam Member

Just wondering if you were overweight before you found out about your copd or after ? Because it does better with treatment?

June 15

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