Weight Gain May Prolong Protection From Worsening Symptoms Among Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Many fight hard against weight gain, but it is crucial for cystic fibrosis patients, especially during pulmonary exacerbations or the treatment of acute symptoms that are worsening. If successful, studies have shown that weight gain can lead to a longer time frame before symptoms flare up again. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult for cystic fibrosis patients to gain weight, or even to maintain their current number. A study researching the benefits of weight gain during treatment, entitled "Weight gain during acute treatment of an initial pulmonary exacerbation is associated with a longer interval to the next exacerbation in adults with cystic fibrosis," was published in the European Respiratory Journal Open Research. 

The worsening of symptoms in patients with cystic fibrosis is called a pulmonary exacerbation, and these episodes are very common. Patients with this disease usually experience malnutrition. Researchers conducted a study to determine if those with cystic fibrosis would have a better clinical outcome during the treatment for pulmonary exacerbation if they gained weight. They analyzed several patients with chronic pulmonary infections for three years. The patients were given antibiotics and then assessed every two weeks, after which one kilogram was the median gain in weight. During the follow up, 98 patients suffered from deterioration and experienced excruciating symptoms.

Researchers found a correlation between weight gain and the inhibition of symptom progression during the treatment period for pulmonary exacerbation. Specifically, they noticed improved hazard ratios in patients who were able to gain one kilogram of weight throughout their treatment. The hazard ratio changed to 0.79, and the risk for more pulmonary exacerbations decreased by gaining just one kilogram, leading them to believe it would drop even further if more weight was gained.

This study has displayed new information, but it is not completely infallible. It is secondhand data, so it is not of high caliber; the data obtained from this research was potentially skewed. Also, the study has not yet proven casualty in regards to weight gain as an obstacle to pulmonary exacerbation. It is possible weight gain during treatment may not be able to fight against pulmonary exacerbations, but instead simply shows the treatment to be working optimally.

So, it is necessary to address these queries before the correlation is fully determined by conducting further research. The team of researchers published their final conclusion about the study, asserting that weight gain is a modifiable risk factor for pulmonary exacerbations and that it can improve the quality of life and clinical care for individuals with CF.

The study suggests a patient with cystic fibrosis should gain weight to help to fight against the symptoms. However, one should bear in mind this condition makes it extremely difficult to gain weight. But for the health of a patient with cystic fibrosis, it is absolutely vital to maintain and, hopefully, increase one’s weight. 

Plan your meals ahead of time and check the ingredients. For an active day, take food that will keep you on the go. Cook once a day and save your energy. Women with CF should eat 2,500 calories in order to maintain their current weight, while consuming 3,000 calories will help them gain weight. For men to maintain their current weight, they should consume at least 3,000 calories, but to gain more, they should consume 3,700.

However, it is also the quality that counts. If a person with CF does not take enough enzymes to digest fat, they will not be able to profit from eating. The goal of weight gain can be attained by following a specific regimen. Although this study offers great information, it is not yet conclusive.