Key result
Total meat consumption linked to ~15% higher COPD risk.
Why the study?
Meat consumption is considered a factor influencing the risk of COPD, but evidence synthesis on this association was lacking.
Does meat consumption increase the risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
Meta-Analysis
Does meat consumption increase the risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
Total, processed, and cured meat consumption are associated with an increased risk of COPD, whereas fish consumption may be protective, though evidence is limited by heterogeneity.
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a global public health issue and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Meat consumption is considered one of the factors influencing the risk of COPD. This study aims to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize evidence on meat consumption and COPD risk. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed and reported through a comprehensive search in PubMed and Web of Science from inception to March 2025 (PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42024595137). This meta-analysis included fifteen observational studies. Forest plots were presented, statistical heterogeneity was quantified with the I2 statistic and investigated through subgroup analyses. Funnel plots and Egger’s test were used to evaluate publication bias. Results: The results showed that the odds ratio (OR) for total meat consumption and the risk of COPD was 1.15 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.31), suggesting that meat consumption was associated with a higher risk of COPD. Our analysis revealed that fish consumption (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72–0.97) had a protective effect on COPD risk while processed meat consumption (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.02–1.37) and cured meat consumption (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.41–1.90) was significantly associated with an increased risk of COPD. In addition, subgroup analysis suggested that higher meat consumption was associated with an elevated risk of COPD in cross-sectional study (OR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.57–2.02), case–control study (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.10–2.10) and in group with 1000 or more participants (OR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.01–1.33). Conclusions: The pooled results of this meta-analysis suggest an association between total meat consumption (encompassing fish, processed meat, cured meat, and unprocessed meat) and COPD. However, the strength of this evidence is tempered by substantial between-study heterogeneity and inconsistent findings across study designs—notably, cohort data failed to support a significant association. Future research should standardize classifications and explore meat subtypes to address heterogeneity.
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Chen et al. (2025) conducted a meta-analysis in Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Total meat consumption vs. Lower or no meat consumption was evaluated on Risk of COPD (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01-1.31). Total meat consumption was associated with a significantly higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.01-1.31).
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