New Insights on the Relationship Between Body Composition and COPD in Iranian Patients

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a multifaceted respiratory illness with significant systemic effects, notably changes in body composition like muscle atrophy and depletion of fat-free mass (FFM). Such alterations are associated with diminished physical performance, increased exacerbation frequency, and heightened mortality. In the Middle Eastern context, the interplay between body composition and COPD severity remains inadequately explored. This study investigates the correlation between body composition and COPD severity among Iranian patients, emphasizing anthropometric markers as predictors of disease outcomes.

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 184 COPD patients at Dr. Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Tehran. Anthropometric measurements included BMI, triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and thigh circumference. Disease severity was evaluated through spirometry and the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale. Correlations between these parameters and pulmonary function (FEV1) were assessed using Spearman's correlation and regression analyses.

Positive associations were identified between FEV1 and BMI (p=0.001), TSF (p=0.004), MUAC (p<0.001), and thigh circumference (p=0.008), indicating that greater anthropometric values predict superior lung function. Negative correlations with mMRC scores highlighted reduced dyspnea severity in participants with healthier body composition. Overweight patients exhibited better spirometric outcomes and fewer exacerbations compared to those underweight.

Anthropometric indices such as BMI and MUAC are instrumental in evaluating COPD severity and guiding individualized management strategies. Further research should validate these findings across broader populations and employ advanced diagnostic tools.