IS OBESITY A RISK FACTOR FOR SEVERE COVID-19 INFECTION? HOW BMI PLAYS MAJOR ROLE IN COVID-19?

IS OBESITY A RISK FACTOR FOR SEVERE COVID-19 INFECTION? HOW BMI PLAYS MAJOR ROLE IN COVID-19?

OBESITY A RISK FACTOR FOR SEVERE COVID-19 INFECTION

Obesity is a growing cause of concern for people nowadays, in fact, in India, it has reached epidemic proportions. Obesity is an open door to many diseases and ailments related to heart, joints, liver, kidneys etc. obesity can even lead to infertility. One of the best ways to avoid these problems is by following a healthy lifestyle and keeping your weight under check. This has become extremely important nowadays owing to the COVID-19 lockdown. People have been restricted to their homes to alleviate the risks of contraction. Now those who have been working from home or need to attend online classes need to spend hours in front of their computer screens, sitting at one place. Whether we acknowledge it or not, all of this does promote a stagnant lifestyle which is not at all good for your health.

Being obese is known to increase the risk of a number of diseases, including heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies shows that people who are obese are much likely prone to Covid-19 .

People with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30 had a 33% greater risk of dying than those who were not obese.

Another research found a doubling of the risk of dying from Covid-19 among people who were obese. If other health conditions linked to obesity such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes were also taken into account the risk would be even higher, the researchers said.

These figures compare to 64% overweight and obese in the UK population - 35% with a BMI of 25-29 and 29% with a BMI of 30 or higher.

Body mass index is calculated as someone's weight in kilograms divided by their height in meters squared.

Given high rates of global obesity, the World Obesity Federation says a high percentage of people who contract coronavirus "will also have a BMI over 25". Early studies from the US, Italy and China also suggest it is an important risk factor.

Ageing, being a man and underlying health issues all increase the risk of becoming more seriously ill from Covid-19.

Why is being obese a risk?

The more overweight you are, the more fat you're carrying, the less fit you are and the lower your lung capacity. This means it is a bigger struggle to get oxygen into the blood and around the body. This impacts on the heart and blood flow too.

"Because people are more overweight, they also have a demand for more oxygen. So that means their system is actually undergoing greater pressure. During an infection like coronavirus, this can be serious.

"Eventually the obese body becomes overwhelmed by the lack of oxygen getting to the major organs."

That is one reason why overweight and obese people in intensive care are more likely to need assistance with breathing and support with kidney function.

What can one do to be healthy?

The best way is to  eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly.

Fast walking, jogging and cycling are good options, even with social distancing measures in force.

Otherwise, try to eat slowly and avoid situations where you could be tempted to overeat.

Proper nutrition and hydration are vital

Those who consume a well-balanced diet are healthier and are able to build a stronger immune system. A healthy diet limits the risk of chronic illnesses and infectious diseases.

It is recommended to eat a variety of fresh and unprocessed foods every day to accomplish the body's requirement of necessary Vitamins, Minerals, Dietary Fiber, Proteins and Antioxidants.

Consume whole grains and legumes - this also reduces the risk of Diabetes.

Drink ample water at least 5 liters per day.

Avoid sugar, fat and salt to significantly lower your risk of being overweight, and obese.

Do not consume sugar-sweetened beverages & limit intake of oily food

Staying active

While the stay at home order has restricted our outdoor movements, it is important for people of all ages and abilities to be as active as possible.

Every 20 minutes, move around for 3-5 minutes; walk or stretch. This will help reduce the strain on a muscle, relieve any form of mental tension and will help circulate blood to the body.

Muscle activity increases if you are physically active, reducing the risk of speedy weight gain.

More vigorous free exercises are also great ways to remain active at home.

In current times focusing on good health, food habits and maintaining some level of physical activity will go a long way in warding off obesity.

''People with underlying obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases are at much higher risk for the poor outcomes: the virus may not be preventable, but those conditions are.''