A good diet is important

Eating and drinking well

It is possible to lose your appetite if you are breathless but it is important to eat well. With COPD more energy is required by the body for breathing, so you need to alter your diet to allow for this.

If you are overweight you will benefit from weight loss to ease the load on your lungs and muscles. You will need to eat foods low in fat and sugar. For more information on what foods are best to eat, ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian.

If you are underweight, you might find the following helpful:

  • Have small, frequent meals. They should be high in protein (meat, chicken, fish, eggs, cheese and milk) and fat content (cream, cheese, butter, peanut butter, gravy, sauces and fried foods).
  • Eat snacks between meals. Try small sandwiches with cheese, egg or meat, creamy soups, and milk puddings.
  • Have plenty to drink (6-8 drinks a day). Water, milk drinks or soup are better than tea or coffee.
  • Ask your doctor if taking multi vitamins would be of benefit to you.
  • Some resthomes or other organisations also provide ready-made meals at a very reasonable cost. Talk to your doctor about Meals-on-wheels if food preparation is difficult for you.
There are also some practical steps you can take. Suggestions include:
  • Buy prepared meals from the supermarket
  • See if a support person can purchase or prepare food, or provide transport to the supermarket
  • Have home help prepare meals
  • Some supermarkets and dairies will deliver groceries
  • Some supermarkets have internet ordering and delivery.
It can also help if you make eating a social occasion. Try and share meal times with others.