Weight Loss

I don't think weight loss is a thing with bronchiectasis but it definitely is with MAC. I went from 135 to 113 over the course of about 3 years, not thinking too much about it because I was happy to be losing weight and my PCP wasn't concerned. That is, until I lost the last 5 pounds in the course of a week! That woke my PCP right up! He ordered a chest Xray (which he should've done years previously after my frequent complaints of coughing). The Xray showed bronchiectasis, which then led to a CT which showed possible NTM. Long story short, it took me over 2 years to regain most of the weight. I'm now at 128 and happy about that but it took a lot of work. At first I had no appetite at all and had to force myself to eat. At the same time I was taking meds for the MAC. I knew the MAC was gone when I started putting on weight and my hair started growing again.

Keep eating healthy food and lots of protein, even if you don't feel like it. The weight will come back, I promise.

In my case with bronchiectasis only, over time I have lost some weight. Not enough weight to cause concern from my PCP. My clothes fit better and I am happy about that. Nonetheless, if/when I get an exacerbation it's easy to drop weight (and muscle). Making sure I eat enough (including lean protein) is a daily essential for me. Plus, watching GERD triggers. I'm currently experimenting with the Acid Watcher Diet for GERD/reflux. In summary, it's eating alkaline rather than acidic foods, plus a 1lb of veggies and 1/2 lb of fruits per day. Very healthy but I need to make sure I get enough calories.

Michele McDonald (sp)?) of NJH presented on weight loss with bronchiectasis and MAC. It was truly informative. It's on this site somewhere. She encouraged caloric density (nut butters, nuts, etc). She also mentioned a drug regimen, which has been quite successful for managing weight loss. I believe it's a low dose anti depressive along with an ADHD medication. The anti depressive works to increase appetite and the ADHD drug keeps one moving and active.

Thank you for your response. Lots of protein is easy in our keto household. 😉

I appreciate your response. I'll look for the presentation.

I also lost weight with the MAC. I went from 130 to 103 and also had loss of appetite. I drank Ensure Plus, 2 a day, and that really helped with getting the weight back on. I also ate a little bit often since I couldn't eat much at one sitting. Once I got back to 125 I quit the Ensure and I have been holding at 125.

low weight also gives you extra points (which is bad) in the
"bronchiectase severety index" (BSI) considering the big
European EMBARC database.
This is regardless of MAC, which is rare in Europe.

Low weight is also a risk factor on hospitalisation for
exacerbations.
https://www.mdapp.co/bronchiectasis-severity-index-bsi-calculator-629/

Michelle MacDonald is a wonderful source for any dietary needs. When I was diagnosed with MAC/BE, I was 89 pounds. I have always had a problem gaining weight but I was a competitive runner for years and maintained a weight of about 95 pounds throughout my running life, which means my BMI is too low and the possibility of health problems with the disease. Fighting the MAC/MAI takes calories and energy. Michelle does consulting on the side and through the consulting (and before my first appointment at NJH), I began the journey of weight gain.

You are able to view her thoughts on weight gain through YouTube but I think one of the best things you can do for yourself, other than hiring Michelle as your consultant, is to get the free or premium MyNetDiary app. I chose the paid premium so she could follow my daily food intake and make personalized suggestions through the app. Since it was the premium app and with Michelle's guidance, I put every piece of food I ate into the diary every single day for a year (the subscription). You can do the same on your own by getting the free app but you have to want to gain the weight and be determined to do so. There is so much available for a person committed to weight gain. The premium app shows the daily calories intake, vitamins/minerals, calcium, sodium, cholesterol, many recipes, etc.

Admittedly, it was a long year for me, especially since I have nighttime GERD and can have very little at dinnertime. So, the recommended 2200-2500 calories a day Michelle encourages for weight gain was very difficult for me to attain. She also recommended 1-3 bottles of Boost VHC (520 calories per bottle and can only be bought online), but my personal problem was that it filled me up and I couldn't eat real food during the day. That, in turn, became counterproductive for me for weight gain. I was able to gain about 5 pounds and I remain around 95 pounds as of today with my highest weight during the past year being 97.5 lbs.

We are all different and I'm happy some people have gained the weight they have because your chances of being more healthy are better at a higher weight. I hope this helps you and I wish you the best in your journey to better health!

chocolate is good to gain weight