I did a newsletter at the beginning of this whole COVID outbreak (which seems like a lifetime ago by the way) and explained how obesity is a serious risk factor in this virus. Most of that research classified “severe obesity” as a serious risk factor. New research shows that even mild obesity may raise the risk.
Researchers found obesity to be a strong, independent risk factor for respiratory failure, admission to the ICU and death among COVID-19 patients.
Obesity, in these studies, is classified as Class 1 (mild), Class 2 or Class 3 (extreme or severe). They used BMI (body mass index) which isn’t the best indicator overall as it doesn’t take into account muscle mass. However what was interesting about this study was that increased risks started at a BMI of 30 (Class 1), or “mild” obesity.
The study shows that compared to healthy weight patients, patients with a BMI above 25 were 3.68 times more likely to die, 6.98 times more likely to need respiratory support and 2.03 times more likely to suffer critical illness. The report also highlights data showing the risk of hospitalization, intensive care treatment and death progressively increases as your BMI goes up.
So if you are wondering, my strong suggestion is that if you are overweight, take steps right now to change that. Not just for COVID. This will not be around forever. Do it to avoid diabetes, heart disease, cancer and other chronic diseases. This is within your ability to change. While it may not be easy and it will take some time, it is doable. So begin today. You will be one day closer to a healthier you. Today is always the right day to start.
Is weight loss something you feel could help you avoid complications from this virus and chronic disease? What are you doing to change that?
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Ann, thank you for always giving us motivation and ways to stay healthy.
Thank you for always reading and commenting, Debbie. I appreciate you.
Jer and I discuss this a lot! One of the things that bothers me most about this whole Covid thing is that the “experts” and leaders people are looking to for information, NEVER talk about this or other ways to protect yourself. Last week I went down a YouTube rabbit hole on the channel AwakenWithJP. He’s a comedian and life coach who’s been putting out some really hilarious content lately. One of the videos we loved was titled, The Only Way to Be Healthy in 2020. He said all you need to do to be healthy now is wear a mask, use hand sanitizer, social distance, and stay indoors. It was such a funny parody of the world we live in. I also recommend the video, Why the Lockdown Should Last Longer.
This post is so timely. At best, most of us have been living with a constant low-level anxiety this year. And I know that I and many other people haven’t always been our healthiest selves. I had a period where I was eating too much. So many people have reported drinking too much. I also heard that cigarette sales are up significantly over last year. Your point that this won’t be around forever was a great reminder to put our health first. Thanks, Ann!
Thank you for your thoughtful comment Holly. I agree. Unfortunately I think the “experts” don’t talk much about ways to stay healthy is because it doesn’t generate income – a vaccine, medications. masks – all that stuff – is part of the agenda. Supporting your own immune system just makes sense. We are heading into cold and flu season but i’m pretty sure everyone will be called COVID positive whether that’s really it or not. Pretty sad state of affairs but I have confidence we will be out of this before too long. It’s also sad to me that alcohol and cigarette sales are up and that people have been driven to that to deal with the anxiety and stress. All of this was unnecessary in my opinion – but I’m not an “expert.”
I think there’s definitely truth to driving profit, unfortunately. I wonder if colds and flus will be lower this year with less people at work, fewer gatherings, and this new focus on hand washing? I imagine there will be fewer cases, which is good. I hope you’re not right about everything being labeled as Covid though. 😞
It’s just a crazy time. It’s unreal to me that everyone seems to have a different opinion and information on this thing. Indeed sad and unnecessary. But I’m with you in believing there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. We’re planning to use this lockdown winter for a bunch of home projects. Make the most of this time!
Make lemonade from lemons – I like it!!
Extra Vitamin C! 😉
Perfect!!!!