Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, causes difficulty breathing and is usually accompanied by persistently coughing up mucus, which is often the first sign of its presence. Common forms of COPD include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Overtime, COPD can cause lung damage and reduction of oxygen levels leading to a weakened heart muscle that doesn't function well. Losing weight may be the first step toward preventing COPD and associated heart complications.
Improved Breathing
Although excessive weight is not necessarily a risk factor for developing COPD, an unhealthy weight or obesity may make breathing more difficult. Obesity is most associated with chronic bronchitis, rather than emphysema -- when patients experience advanced weight loss due to muscle degeneration associated with the disease. Weight loss for obese or overweight people experiencing chronic symptoms may help to relieve pressure on the lungs and heart by allowing the muscles and lungs to work at a normal pace, rather than harder to compensate for the extra load.
Reduced Risk of Heart Problems
Losing weight not only benefits the lungs, but also acts to reduce stress on the heart. If you are overweight or obese, your heart is working much harder to provide the necessary oxygen to the muscles supporting the extra weight. Constantly straining your heart over an extended period of time can lead to a weakened structure, irregular heartbeats and palpitations, which may indicate heart failure. Reducing your weight can help normalize your heart rate and its function.
Lower Cholesterol
Generally, losing weight will also accompany lower cholesterol levels. COPD causes shortness of breath in many situations, even when you're not moving. It is thereby imperative that your flow of oxygen be uninhibited by clogged arteries, which can also lead to stroke, heart attack and heart failure. Eating high-fiber foods not only encourages weight loss but also reduces your overall cholesterol levels for healthy arteries to transport oxygen.
References
- Harvard Medical School: COPD Frequently Asked Questions
- PubMed: Heart Palpitations
- "COPD For Dummies"; Kevin Felner and Meg Schneider; 2008
- "Natural Therapies for Emphysema and COPD"; Robert Green; 2007
