7 Ways to Gain Weight If You Have COPD - Article Health

How to keep the weight on
Although weight loss sounds like a good thing, it's not—if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This lung condition, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, can cause severe weight and muscle loss. About one in four people with COPD are too thin.

Add healthy fats
"One of the best food groups to focus on, believe it or not, is the high-fat foods," says Dr. Gerbstadt, who is a registered dietitian. Because of the way fat is digested, it doesn't tax the respiratory system like digesting other foods can, she says.

Eat more eggs
Eggs are full of healthy nutrients and don't take much prep work, a plus for COPD patients, who often don't have the energy to prepare elaborate meals. The protein in eggs can be very helpful in adding bulk to a COPD patient's diet.

Pick lean meats
"You need some protein, so pick lean meats, because the fat in meat would be more saturated and higher in cholesterol," says Dr. Gerbstadt. "Marinate a nice lean cut of meat in a vinaigrette and make a London broil or a stir-fry, where you're adding healthy fat [by cooking in oil] and not using the animal fat."

Consume more nuts
"Nuts [are] a really nice, concentrated source of healthy fats, and they really boost up calories," says Dr. Gerbstadt. They are also packed with antioxidants, which have lots of heart-healthy benefits and fight inflammation.

Eat dessert first
Eating often isn't an enjoyable experience for people with COPD.

Add dairy—sparingly
Some experts recommend adding cheese to sandwiches, pastas, and casseroles, or mixing dried milk powder into recipes.

Try a nutritional shake or smoothie
"Getting calories from a shake is a good idea, but it's not the first thing [most COPD patients] would reach for," says Dr. Gerbstadt. They may worry that drinking more will result in too many trips to the bathroom—a daily activity that becomes increasingly difficult as the disease worsens, she says.


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