Obesity is associated with an increased risk of Covid-19 complications.
According to researchers, the odds are stacked against obese people when it comes to the risk of contracting Covid-19, the risk of suffering complications, and the risks to their recovery.
In fact, experts have now made known their concern about whether a future Covid-19 vaccine will be equally effective in those affected by obesity.
Available data collected on Covid-19 showed that people with obesity (with a BMI of 30 or higher) had a much higher risk of being hospitalized for coronavirus.
They were also more likely to end up in an intensive care unit and even had a higher risk of mortality.
Obesity had previously been associated with many of the underlying risk factors for this virus, such as heart disease, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
Metabolic changes that occur due to obesity, such as increased inflammation and insulin infections, could make it more difficult for obese people to fight some infections.
What can you do if you are overweight?
Currently, about 40% of Americans are considered obese, and confinement and stay-at-home orders have made it more difficult for many people to achieve and maintain a good exercise program and a healthy weight.
Right now, Americans are moving less than ever, and that’s a problem.
The link between obesity and increased risk of Covid-19 complications and death cannot be ignored.
And if you’re currently overweight, there are steps you can take to improve your health and reduce your weight in a way that lowers your risk.
Here are some practical tips you can follow if you are overweight, and you will reduce your risk associated with coronavirus.
Tip #1 – Move more
A sedentary lifestyle is the reason why the obesity rate is so high in the United States.
Regular physical activity is essential for physical and mental health, and it also helps with weight control.
If you’re not very active, slowly increase the amount and intensity of exercise you do over time.
And, rather than striving for more exercise, focus on moving more every day, whether it’s climbing stairs, walking your dog, dancing around your house, or playing outside with your kids.
Tip #2 – Track what you eat
Especially during this time of year when we stay home more, it’s easy to eat mindlessly.
Many people have been affected by being overweight and obese.
Start tracking what you eat and write a food diary.
You will probably be surprised at how many calories you eat without realizing it.
Once you have a clear idea of what you are eating, you can look for ways to reduce the amount.
Tip #3 – Focus on a healthy diet and eat consciously.
A healthy diet is key to fighting obesity and losing weight.
It is essential to eat a well-balanced diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, proteins and healthy fats.
Pay attention to portion sizes, reduce the number of calories you eat and eat consciously.
Don’t mindlessly eat in front of the TV.
Think about whether you are really hungry or just feel bored.
Make meals last 20 minutes to ensure that your brain registers satiety signals.
Tip #4 – Manage stress levels to fight obesity
There is a connection between stress and obesity.
Stress interferes with the hormone ghrelin, a hormone that controls when you feel hungry and when you feel full.
Elevated cortisol levels due to prolonged stress are also known to lead to the accumulation of abdominal fat.
When you’re stressed, you’re also more likely to gravitate toward unhealthy food choices like processed foods and refined sugars that will cause you to pack on the pounds.
Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation or yoga, instead of turning to food when you feel stressed.
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