Body image in COPD and its relation with physical activity levels, lung function and body composition: An observational study

Abstract

Introduction Body image has been previously defined as the mental figure we have of the contours and shape of our body; and the feelings concerning these characteristics. A change in body perception can influence one’s feelings of self‐worth and compromise functional abilities. Thus, the detection of distortions in body image could be important data for clinical evaluation of subjects with COPD. Objectives To assess the body image perception of subjects with COPD. Also, to investigate the association between body image and levels of physical activity in these subjects. Materials and Methods 109 subjects were recruited and divided into the COPD group and control subjects without any pulmonary conditions. For this cross‐sectional study, we performed an initial evaluation and participants were evaluated regarding physical activity level, body image (silhouette scale) and determination of body mass index (BMI). Finally, we performed the evaluation of lung function (spirometry) and body composition analysis (bioelectrical impedance). Results BothCOPD and control subjects presented alterations in body image. Both groups desired significantly lower BMI and weight measures, according to the silhouette scale, demonstrating body dissatisfaction (P < .05). No differences in the level body dissatisfaction were found between Control and COPD groups (P > .05). No associations between physical activity levels and body image were observed (P > .05; r = −0.24 to 0.14). Conclusion In conclusion, patients with COPD present significant body dissatisfaction, similar to control individuals. Furthermore, body image perception in COPD is related to body composition measurements but not to physical activity levels.

Association of body size distortion with low body mass index in female patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease

“…In this study, we used the J-BIS [ 19 ], which we developed and confirmed its reliability and validity in the Japanese female population, to assess the subjects’ BSP. Although there are several studies that have assessed body size perception using the BIS [ 27 , 28 , 36 ], there are some problems as follows: First, the J-BIS was selected based on the subjective evaluation of the participants. As seen in the present results, even healthy controls, especially women with low BMI, may have biased their perception of body size.…”

Investigation of the Relationship Between Disease Severity and Nutritional Status in Male Outpatients With COPD Through Subjective Global Assessment

“…Physically active patients with COPD have better outcomes than inactive patients, and physical inactivity is associated with decreased lung function in patients with COPD. 36,37 Freire et al 38 studied 44 patients with COPD and 48 healthy individuals and found that physical activity levels of patients with COPD were significantly lower than the control group. Similarly, in this study, we found that there were more individuals with low physical activity (65%) in group D with severe COPD.…”

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“…Patients with advanced COPD have an altered self-image from physical changes, such as stained fingers from smoking, weight loss, and lower extremity edema. 23 These changes are notably different from society's norms and can result in body shaming by caregivers, family members, and others. In addition, many of these patients rely on oxygen therapy and may use portable delivery modalities that are bulky, noisy, difficult to maneuver, and attract further attention to their deteriorating condition.…”

“…These behaviors place a strain on relationships with caregivers, family members, and health care providers. Patients with advanced COPD have an altered self-image from physical changes, such as stained fingers from smoking, weight loss, and lower extremity edema 23 . These changes are notably different from society's norms and can result in body shaming by caregivers, family members, and others.…”