Please note that symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite and unplanned weight loss can be signs of a serious underlying condition and should always be discussed with a health professional who has all the patient’s information and can advise on assessment and treatment. In discussions about dietary advice, always share information about food intolerances and allergies.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr Jackie Gray, Public Health Expert and Retired GP
(Carents Trusted Reviewer Programme – Last reviewed July 2025)
On this page:
- COPD and Nutrition
- Why a healthy weight matters in a COPD diet plan
- Why eating can feel harder with COPD (and how to help)
- Watch: Practical Meal Ideas for COPD Carents
- Meal and snack ideas for common COPD eating problems
- High-calorie soft foods for elderly with COPD
- Easy meals for elderly with breathing problems
- Best snacks for COPD patients
- Foods to help with COPD symptoms
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Information
- Get your FREE COPD Toolkit
If you’re helping with shopping or cooking for someone with COPD, you know mealtimes can be more than just about food, they can be a daily challenge. Depending on how severe their COPD is, their weight (body mass index or BMI), their activity levels, and other health problems they may have, older adults might need to pay extra attention to their meals to get the nutrition they need to stay well.
Healthy eating matters for everyone, but for those living with COPD, the right diet can help maintain strength, keep fitness up, and fight infections. This guide shares the main things to think about when planning meals for someone with COPD. It’s not a one-size-fits-all plan, the best ingredients and portions depend on the individual. Always check with a health professional, especially if there are food allergies or other health conditions like diabetes or kidney problems.
Important: If someone has difficulty swallowing, a sudden loss of appetite, or unplanned weight loss, this can be a sign of something serious. Always get it checked by a doctor.
Why a healthy weight matters in a COPD diet plan
If someone is living with COPD, moving around can already be exhausting. Their heart and lungs are working harder than usual. Carrying extra weight means those organs work even harder, making breathlessness worse and adding more strain.
Being underweight can be just as worrying. It might mean they’re not getting enough vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. This can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of chest infections, and cause fatigue or muscle loss. A monthly weight check can help you to monitor and spot changes early. You can check healthy weight ranges by gender and height on the NHS website. If you see changes then seek medical advice.
Worrying signs of weight loss include loose clothing, shirt collars, belts and watches. If weight loss is this obvious you should always seek medical advice.
Coping with appetite loss in COPD
Appetite loss can be frustrating and worrying. If meals feel unappealing, try eating at the times of day when the person feels most energetic. Small, visually appealing portions can be less daunting. Adding a variety of colours and textures like a bright fruit salad or a plate with several small items can stimulate interest. Avoid filling up on tea, coffee, or fizzy drinks before meals.
Why eating can feel harder with COPD (and how to help)
Several things linked to COPD can make mealtimes a struggle:
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Dry mouth from inhalers, nebulisers, or oxygen therapy.
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Loss of taste due to smoking or medication side effects.
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Mouth infections like oral thrush from some inhalers.
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Breathlessness making it hard to eat a full plate.
Rinsing and gargling after using steroid inhalers can help reduce mouth infections. But even with precautions, a dry mouth or loss of taste can make food less enjoyable and reduce appetite. Smaller, more frequent meals can be easier to manage than three large ones.
Watch: Practical Meal Ideas for COPD Carents
Meal and snack ideas for common COPD eating problems
Dry mouth
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Choose soft, moist foods like shepherd’s pie instead of chewy meats.
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Try fruit sweets, ice lollies made with fruit juice, or sugar-free gum.
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Ask a doctor about saliva sprays or special pastilles.
Loss of taste
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Use stronger flavours: sharp cheeses, herbs, spices, or tangy sauces.
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Experiment with pickles, chutneys, and marinades.
Breathlessness
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Offer smaller portions more often.
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Go for softer, moister meals like casseroles, curries, soups, milky puddings, smoothies, and ice cream.
High-calorie soft foods for elderly with COPD
When weight loss is a concern, high-calorie soft foods can help maintain strength. Think mashed potatoes with cream and butter, avocado on soft bread, scrambled eggs with cheese, or rice pudding made with whole milk. Smoothies can be boosted with nut butter or protein powder. These foods are easy to eat and give more calories without needing to eat a large volume.
Easy meals for elderly with breathing problems
For those who tire quickly, easy-to-eat meals are key. Try one-pot dishes like chicken stew, pasta with creamy sauce, or vegetable curry. Serve in smaller bowls so meals feel manageable. Pre-chop vegetables or use frozen to save prep time. If cooking is difficult, batch cook and freeze portions for quick reheating.
Best snacks for COPD patients
Snacks can keep energy levels up without overwhelming someone with a big plate. For COPD, aim for nutrient-rich snacks that are easy to chew and swallow. Try full-fat yoghurt with fruit, cheese and crackers, peanut butter on toast, small portions of hummus with soft pita bread, or banana with custard. Keeping snacks ready in the fridge or cupboard means less effort when hunger strikes. For those who get breathless easily, cold snacks can be easier to manage than hot ones, as there’s no steam to trigger coughing.
Foods to help with COPD symptoms
While no food can cure COPD, some can support lung and overall health. Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which support immune health. Staying hydrated helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear. Limit processed meats and very salty foods, as they can cause water retention and add strain on the heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Provides expert nutrition advice including helpful leaflets specific to people living with COPD
Medically reviewed by Dr Jackie Gray, July 2025
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