Protein, Sarcopenic Obesity, and COPD

Both sarcopenic obesity and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) are common conditions that mainly affect middle-aged and older adults. Previous research has shown that increased dietary intake of total and plant-based protein is associated with a lower risk of sarcopenic obesity, using data from the EPIC Norfolk study. Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis showed that having sarcopenic obesity was associated with significantly impaired lung function outcomes. Other research has shown that increased intake of dietary protein leads to a better treatment outcome for respiratory diseases. The aim of this pilot observational study is to investigate, in more detail, the relationship between the quantity and source of dietary protein intake, the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity, and lung function, in a small cohort of older female participants with COPD. The study will also consider the role of inflammation in relation to sarcopenic obesity and lung function outcomes. This study will help to improve the understanding of the relationship between sarcopenic obesity and lung function outcomes, and how dietary protein intake and inflammation can affect this relationship and each of the outcomes.