Which statement about the relationship between COPD progression and nutrition?

Which statement about the relationship between COPD progression and nutrition?

• A. It increases metabolic rate, leading to higher caloric needs
• B. It has no effect on caloric needs
• C. It always causes obesity
• D. It makes individuals require fewer calories

Answer: (A)

As COPD progresses, the body often uses more energy because breathing becomes more work and there is systemic inflammation, which can raise resting energy expenditure. The best statement is that metabolic rate increases, leading to higher caloric needs. In real life, many patients with advancing COPD may actually lose weight or become malnourished if they can’t match this higher energy demand with adequate intake. It’s not true that nutrition has no effect on caloric needs, nor that COPD always causes obesity, nor that fewer calories are required.