[A correct nutritional approach as a primary goal in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

The association between weight loss and COPD survival rate is known since the end of 19th century. Several studies showed how an insufficient caloric and nutritional uptake relates with higher mortality in COPD patients. Such clinical evidence brought a deep change in the management of this chronic condition, both in the hospital and home setting. Aim of this brief review is providing an update on the newest scientific evidences supporting the usefulness to systematically provide a complete nutritional evaluation to every COPD patient.