Obesity-related conditions tend to exacerbate the impact of COVID-19; however, people with respiratory problems, diabetes & heart disease are at higher risk of COVID-19
COVID-19 is hitting some patients with obesity, particularly hard. People with severe obesity, who have Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, put people at a higher risk of COVID-19 complications. They are more likely to have higher resistance in their airways, lower lung volumes, and also weak respiratory muscles, which are critical to guard against COVID-19. All these aspects make a person more likely to develop pneumonia and place additional stress on the heart.
Obesity is also linked with diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, all of which increase the risk of developing pneumonia as well. Leaving aside these issues, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and prediabetes may make people more prone to infection of COVID-19.
Current pandemics may lead to a rise in obesity levels as weight loss services and treatments such as surgery are currently being significantly curtailed – and this is likely to continue for a some time.
How to keep yourself safe from coronavirus if you are obese
Firstly, you have to take all the necessary precautions strictly like clean your hands thoroughly and often (at least 20 seconds), especially after being in public. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, or anything else with unwashed hands, and do not go within six feet of others or attend gatherings. Persons with obesity who are otherwise metabolically stable and who maintain good physical fitness may be at a much lower risk.
Recalibrate your diet
In addition to lean proteins, it may also be advisable to start stocking on plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. If you already have a passion for diet and exercise, now is a perfect time to deepen your relationship with balanced food and movement. As you can’t go to the gym, make sure you spend more time walking than sitting up. Go up and down for atleast 15 minutes on your stairs. Do some of the pushups or other prescribed exercises while watching TV.