Summary

The impact of obesity on many chronic diseases is well known, but the effect of obesity on clinical outcomes for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is less clear. The number of people with COPD who are obese is expected to increase in line with the obesity pandemic, making it essential to gain a better understanding of the effects of obesity on COPD. Although classically considered a wasting disease, a link between COPD and obesity is becoming increasingly recognized, and it may influence clinical diversity in COPD.