The coronavirus has been taking a toll on everyone, not just the elderly. New risk factors for the coronavirus are being discovered every day, and one factor has been in the spotlight recently — obesity. It has been the cause of hundreds of deaths in young people with a higher BMI. Obesity has become a risk factor causing young adults to be hospitalized as opposed to elderly citizens with underlying conditions.
The Data
An NYU Langone Health study of 4,103 COVID-19 patients found obesity was the second strongest risk factor (after age) of hospitalization and more severe symptoms for those with the coronavirus disease — even more so than lung disease, heart disease, and documented smoking history. Even worse, patients with a BMI of 35 or higher were twice as likely to be admitted to the hospital and three times as likely to end up in the intensive care unit. More and more studies highlight the effects of obesity on coronavirus.
Obesity’s Effects
Obesity, once overlooked, is finally coming to light about how it truly affects those infected with other infections. It can drastically increase mortality rates and the risk of getting infections, as obesity greatly weakens a person’s immune system. Overall, obesity makes the coronavirus 2x worse; it makes it easier to get it and heightens the severity. On the other hand, staying healthy and fit strengthens your immune system.
Quarantine = Obesity?
Obesity is not the only thing affecting the coronavirus. The pandemic is affecting obesity rates also. With strict lockdowns, it is becoming harder and harder to get an adequate amount of physical activity. Extended periods of inactivity only increase the risk of obesity and metabolic diseases. For example, frequently gym-goers may not have the proper equipment at home, causing them to slack off.
Grocery Struggles
Because of an increased need for self-isolation, many are forgoing visits to grocery stores and fresh produce, preferring canned and processed foods with unhealthy additives and sodium. If this continues for an extended period, it will result in many people gaining weight or having unhealthy consequences.
The coronavirus pandemic is turning the world upside down, especially for people with obesity. Not only do they get the disease easier, but they also suffer more symptoms and severity. Moreover, the quarantine has adverse consequences for obesity rates because of its strain on the ability to get physical activity and healthy food.