Obesity and Metabolic Abnormalities in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obesity are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and a relationship between COPD and obesity is increasingly recognized. The nature and underlying mechanisms of the link between obesity and COPD are still largely unknown. Obesity, and abdominal adiposity in particular, is linked to metabolic syndrome. Hypertension, hyperglycemia, and abdominal adiposity seem to be the most prevalent components of metabolic syndrome in COPD. Adipose tissues function as a source of a variety of signaling molecules in the pathobiology of respiratory diseases. Computed tomography allows measurement of various fat depots and allows better understanding of the impact of abdominal visceral fat in the pathophysiology of COPD. Innovative statistical methodology has identified obesity as a relevant and distinguishing characteristic in patients with COPD. Integrated research combining COPD and its multimorbidity network may unravel underlying endotypes to direct future interventions in this specific COPD cluster.