Key points
- Aspects of diet are risk factors for several respiratory diseases, but it does not always follow that dietary interventions are effective.
- Normal-weight and overweight people have lower respiratory mortality than underweight people.
- Intervention aimed at restoring fat-free mass is recommended in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- A ‘balanced diet’ with plenty of fruit, vegetables and fish reduces the risk of developing lung diseases, particularly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
See the entire Diet and nutrition Chapter