Weight loss is a concern in COPD because as you lose weight, you lose muscle mass. Muscle loss may result in your feeling weaker. And muscle loss makes it harder to breathe (the muscles that help you breathe also weaken). Weakness can also lead to a greater chance of infections, such as pneumonia.

Some people with COPD weigh too little for good health. People who are very underweight, especially those with emphysema, are at higher risk of death than are people with COPD who have a normal weight.¹

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