Emphysema is an incurable condition, caused by irreversible damage to the lungs, that results in shortness of breath, chest tightness and a chronic cough. As the disease progresses, your lungs may be unable to provide enough oxygen to your bloodstream for even mild physical activity. This can make it quite difficult to lose weight, but maintaining a healthy weight is essential because overweight individuals require more oxygen for basic activities. By working with your physician, you can often find ways to lose weight and improve your lung function, potentially slowing the progress of your emphysema.
Step 1
Improve your diet. A well-balanced, nutritionally complete diet not only helps you lose weight, but also gives your body the tools it needs to fight disease and maintain overall health, notes MayoClinic.com. Replace fatty meats and high-calorie, high-fat foods with lean meats and low-calorie alternatives. Introduce plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your diet as well, suggests HelpGuide.org.
If your emphysema has progressed to the point where eating is difficult, substitute easily digestible foods such as yogurt, rice, baked potatoes and poached fish or chicken, suggests MayoClinic.com.
Step 2
Increase your physical activity levels. Although this can be difficult if you are having trouble breathing, exercise is essential for losing weight and improving your lung capacity. Discuss an exercise regimen with your physician to find out how much physical activity is safe with your condition. Ask your physician to recommend a pulmonary rehabilitation therapist to help you develop breathing exercises and techniques if you are too short of breath for a regular exercise routine, suggests Medline Plus. A pulmonary rehabilitation therapist can help you increase your lung strength until you can engage in more physical activities.
Step 3
Discuss weight loss options with your physician. If exercise is too difficult, your physician may be able to prescribe bronchial inhalers or oxygen to help you breathe better during physical activity. Ask your doctor if weight-loss medication or a medically supervised, low-calorie diet is right for you.
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