Table 1.

Nutritional advice for COPD patients

• Calculate the body mass index (weight (kg)/(height (m)2)) of all patients

• Arrange dietary advice for those who are underweight (index < 18.5) or obese (index >30), and those whose weight is changing over time

Although these recommendations are not supported by a Cochrane review of the effects of nutritional supplementation in COPD (which failed to show any significant impact on lung function or exercise capacity), the number of double blind studies and participants included in the review were small, and it seems logical to ensure adequate nutritional intake in all patients with chronic disease, including COPD