As we get older, we may start to lose muscle tissue and gain more body fat. When this happens at the same time, this could lead to a health problem called sarcopenic obesity. We have ways to assess whether you are likely to have sarcopenic obesity, by measuring your fat-free body mass, and your body mass index (BMI), although we currently do not have an official clinical definition for sarcopenic obesity.
Recently we found that eating more protein, from both animal and plant-based foods, reduces your risk of getting sarcopenic obesity. We also found that those with sarcopenic obesity have a higher risk of a decreased lung function.
In this pilot study we would like to investigate, in more detail, whether the amount of protein you eat in your diet is associated with levels of muscle and fat tissue, and with your lung function
We will do this study in a small group of female participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As part of this study, we will ask you to visit us once at the Rowett Institute to measure your dietary intake, your muscle mass and body mass index, your lung function and to obtain a small blood sample.
For more information, see the PROSO-COPD Study Participant Information Sheet