Obesity and Functioning Among Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Patricia Katz1, Carlos Iribarren2, Gabriela Sanchez2
1a Department of Medicine , University of California , San Francisco , California , USA.
COPD
|December 20, 2015
Summary
Obesity is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and linked to worse physical function. This study found obesity predicts functional decline in COPD patients, especially those with severe disease.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Gerontology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Body composition in COPD has historically focused on low body mass index (BMI).
- Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) prevalence and impact on physical function in COPD are less understood.
- Understanding obesity's role is crucial for managing COPD progression and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate obesity as a risk factor for poor physical function and longitudinal functional decline in adults with COPD.
- To compare the effects of obesity on function in COPD patients versus a healthy comparison group.
- To explore if COPD severity influences the relationship between obesity and functional decline.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a longitudinal cohort of 1096 adults with COPD and an age/sex-matched comparison group.
- Data collected over two in-person visits approximately 49 months apart.
- Multivariate regression analyses assessed relationships between obesity and physical functioning measures (6-minute walk distance and Short Physical Performance Battery), stratified by GOLD classification.
Main Results:
- Obesity was prevalent (53%) in the COPD cohort and associated with poorer 6-minute walk distance and Short Physical Performance Battery scores cross-sectionally.
- Obesity significantly predicted functional decline in 6-minute walk distance among individuals with COPD (OR 1.8 [1.1, 2.9]).
- The risk of functional decline due to obesity was significant only in patients with more severe COPD (GOLD 3/4, OR 2.3 [1.0, 5.4]).
Conclusions:
- Obesity is highly prevalent in COPD and associated with both concurrent poor physical function and subsequent functional decline.
- Obesity in COPD patients should be recognized as a risk factor for comorbidities, healthcare utilization, and importantly, functional decline.
- Targeting obesity management may be essential for preserving physical function and improving long-term outcomes in COPD.
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