Reducing dyspnoea in chronic lung disease through weight loss

A small-scale study identified a positive impact on a remote weight-loss programme and reduced dyspnoea in patients with chronic lung disease.

Weight loss intervention to decrease breathlessness has previously shown promise in improving quality of life, reducing dyspnoea, and the number of exacerbations in patients with chronic lung disease [1]. This was the rationale for a small-scale study, presented by Dr Maria Benzo (Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, USA) [2].

The study recruited 25 patients with a diagnosis of chronic lung disease who had a BMI >35 and dyspnoea of Medical Research Council class II or greater. Participants received 12 weeks of health coaching, Weight Watchers online programme with a daily food log, a fitness tracer wearable wristband, and a Bluetooth scale for weigh-ins at home.

The primary outcome measures were weight, quality of life, and dyspnoea improvement. Measurements were taken at baseline and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. Of the 25 participants, only 13 finished the intervention, and data of only 10 was available at the 6-month follow-up. From baseline to 3 months, the average weight loss was 18.4 lbs (8.3 kg) or 6.9% of the total body weight (95% CI -25.2 to -11.7; P=0.00007). Likewise, dyspnoea was also reduced by 0.6 points (95% CI 0.2–1.1; P=0.00919). No other variables measured were significantly different, including quality of life, number of steps, or fatigue. At the 6-month follow-up, the average weight loss was 22.4 lbs (10.2 kg) or 9% of baseline body weight.

Dr Benzo concluded that acquiring healthy behaviours and self-awareness through registering food intake, checking daily steps, and weekly health coaching calls resulted in improved dyspnoea and weight loss.

1. Dupuy-McCauley KL, et al. Chest. 2020;158(3):1128–1131.
2. Benzo M, et al. Lifestyle Intervention Targeting Weight Loss to Reduce Dyspnea in Chronic Lung Disease. Session A93, ATS International Conference 2022, San Francisco, CA, USA, 13–18 May.

 

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Posted on 18 July 2022