Effects of Obesity on COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Obesity are two major health problems. The prevalence of both is growing and there is a complex interaction between COPD and obesity. On the one hand obesity impairs lung function, with decreasing static lung volumes being the most significant effect. On the other hand there seems a beneficial role of obesity on lung function in COPD patients. This is because obese COPD patients tend to have less hyperinflation than non-obese COPD patients . An interesting question is what the net effect of these changes in lung function is on respiratory symptoms and quality of life.

In this observational study, the investigators will compare obese and non-obese COPD patients. Pulmonary function, dyspnea and quality of life will be compared between the two groups.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with COPD by a Pulmonologist defined as an obstructive lung function test with FEV1/FVC < 0.7 and FEV1 < 80% predicted
• No exacerbation of COPD at time of inclusion
• Age > 18 years
• Able to perform lung function tests and fill in the questionnaires.

Exclusion criteria

• Not able to perform lung function tests or fill in the questionnaires
• Diagnosis of Asthma
• Diagnosis of neuromuscular disease
• Diagnosis of heart failure
• Treatment for lung Malignancy in the past
• Active Malignancy