"Thin is not in" with Bronchiectasis

“Mangia,” in Italian, means “eat.” Eating is crucial to maintaining a strong body. Research shows that there is an association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and bronchiectasis (BE) prognosis with a BMI below 18.5 associated with a poorer prognosis. 

I think I can say for all of us, we do not want a poor prognosis. We want to feel well and live long lives. That is why we have to be laser focused on our weight. Many of us, including myself, have spent a lifetime watching what we eat. The scale often decided whether it is a good or bad day. (If you can’t relate, I applaud you!)

However BE researchers are telling us we are doing ourselves a disservice if we are intentionally or unintentionally maintaining a low BMI (below 18.5). For example, if you are 5”5’ inches tall and weigh less than 111 pounds, you need to put on weight. 

 According to Michelle MacDonald, a nutrition supervisor and expert from National Jewish Health, who I consulted for my book, “The BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis,” we should even aim higher and be closer to a BMI of 21. 

I give tips to better eating in my book, and if you listened to the nutrition series through Bronchiectasis Info & Research, you have a good idea of how to take baby steps toward this goal.

But, knowing isn’t doing. It might be that you had a weight issue your whole life and now finally you are thin without even trying. Seems like a BE perk, right? It’s not.

Please think about what I am suggesting. Have a heart-to-heart with yourself. And hopefully, piano, piano (slowly, slowly in Italian) you will gain weight.

MANGIA BENE!!

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#healthyeating #healthyweight #bodyimage