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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - Management
How should I manage nutritional needs in a person with COPD?
- Calculate the person's body mass index (BMI).
- BMI is calculated as weight in kg/height in m2.
- The normal range of BMI is 20–25 kg/m2.
- If the person's BMI is less than 20 kg/m2 or more than 25 kg/m2 or is changing over time, or there is a weight change of 3 kg or more (loss or gain) in an elderly person, refer for dietetic advice (if available).
- People with a low BMI should be given nutritional supplements (after specialist advice) and encouraged to take regular exercise to augment the effects of nutritional supplementation.
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