Obesity has become an increasingly serious health issue that has been steadily growing in prevalence worldwide.
It doesn’t just pose a risk to an individual’s health, but it can even contribute to the spread of certain diseases due to its underlying inflammation and other health-related issues that come with it. It’s certainly no surprise then that as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) sweeps across the globe, its mortality rate among the obese population is higher than other segments of the population. In this article, we examine how obesity and related conditions can increase the risk of serious illness if the virus is contracted and the ways in which this risk can be mitigated.
Understanding the Link Between Obesity and COVID-19
Obesity is linked to many chronic illnesses and is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It has been associated with an estimated 200 different medical conditions including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, depression and more. As a result, obese individuals have a greater risk of suffering from serious illnesses when exposed to a virus.
It is known that obesity compromises the body’s ability to fight off infections. In addition, obesity is characterised by a state of chronic low-grade inflammation, which can lead to a weakened immune system. As such, when an obese individual has a weakened immune system, their risk of becoming seriously ill increases when exposed to a virus. Furthermore, due to the inflammation, obese individuals have been found to have a greater number of cells that can be targeted by viruses, providing the virus easier access to the host cells.
Obesity and Pre-Existing Conditions
It is also believed that pre-existing conditions of the obese make them more likely to suffer from a more serious case of COVID-19. Those who are overweight and have other pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, are at an increased risk of developing a more serious case of COVID-19. This is because their already compromised immune system is further weakened by their pre-existing condition, meaning the body is less able to fight off the virus. The increased risk of death among the obese population has been linked to the effects of the pre-existing conditions fighting against a weakened immune system.
Mitigating the Risk
It is clear that there is an increased risk of serious illness or even death for obese individuals with COVID-19. However, it is possible to mitigate this risk in a few ways.
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Regular Exercise: Even moderate exercise has been found to reduce morbidity and mortality from a range of diseases including infectious diseases such as the flu and more serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic it’s important to maintain a regular exercise routine. A combination of aerobic exercise, strength training and stretching is recommended.
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Balanced Diet: Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health and a strong immune system. Eating nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish, and whole grains can help to strengthen an obese individual’s immune system and increase their ability to fight off infection.
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Prevention Strategies: It is also important to follow prevention strategies and the guidelines set by your local health department. This includes regular hand washing, wearing a mask and avoiding large crowds when possible.
Obesity can play a role in the spread of infectious diseases and it is clear that for those who are obese, their increased risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19 is higher than for other segments of the population. However, following a balanced diet, regular exercise, and preventive strategies can help to mitigate this risk and enable an improved chance of surviving the virus, if it is contracted. Furthermore, it’s important to stay positive and practice self-care such as getting adequate sleep and relaxation, to ensure the body is able to successfully fight off the virus, should it be contracted.
