The Changing Landscape of Nutrition in Cystic Fibrosis: The Emergence of Overweight and Obesity

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis has historically been characterized by malnutrition, and nutrition strategies have placed emphasis on weight gain due to its association with better pulmonary outcomes. As treatment for this disease has significantly improved, longevity has increased and overweight and obesity have emerged issues in this population. The effect of excess weight and adiposity on CF clinical outcomes is unknown but may produce similar health consequences and obesity-related diseases as those observed in the general population. This review examines the prevalence of overweight and obesity in CF, the medical and psychological impact, as well as the existing evidence for treatment in the general population and how this may be applied to people with CF. Clinicians should partner with individuals with CF and their families to provide a personalized, interdisciplinary approach that includes dietary modification, physical activity, and behavioral intervention. Additional research is needed to identify the optimal strategies for preventing and addressing overweight and obesity in CF.

Nutritional and metabolic management for cystic fibrosis in a post-cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance modulator era

“…Historically, CF has been associated with malnutrition necessitating intervention with high-calorie, high-protein, high-fat diets and the addition of oral supplements and enteral feeding when required [19]. These nutritional interventions proved highly successful with increasing body weight being linked to improved lung function and survival [17].…”

Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating Behaviors in Cystic Fibrosis: A Neglected Issue

“…Attaining an adequate body weight is important for achieving improved respiratory health and low infection risk [ 1 ]. However, struggles with weight status are common in CF, with patients of younger ages often failing to maintain and gain body weight [ 4 ] and older individuals facing overweight and obesity more frequently [ 5 , 6 ].…”

Serum kisspeptin and proopiomelanocortin in cystic fibrosis: a single study

“…Consequently, sexual and reproductive health is increasingly important for people with CF, as many consider parenting. Most men and some women with cystic fibrosis have reduced fertility, which is multifactorial for both sexes 9 , 10 Furthermore, despite new therapeutic strategies, many nutritional disorders are still common in CF 11 . Therefore, much research has focused on hormones in CF to provide novel insights into the body’s energy homeostasis and fertility.…”