Obesity a ‘major risk factor’ for coronavirus hospitalisations
Obesity is one of the main risk factors for poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19 infection.
Obesity correlates with negative health complications such as high blood pressure, increased inflammation and weakened immune system, which contributes to increased severity of COVID-19 symptoms and outcomes.
Weight loss can be achieved with simple lifestyle changes. If you are overweight or obese and in home isolation, it is time to lose weight by exercising regularly. A very low calorie diet (VLCD), which has been scientifically-proven to assist weight loss (1, 2, 3), in combination with exercise is good for long-term weight management.
If you have not been exercising regularly, start with light activities. A walk in the park at mid-day when you can get plenty of sunlight and vitamin D, for example, will benefit both your physical and mental health and well-being.
When exercising in public, remember keep at least 1.5 metres away from others. Considering that coughing and sneezing spreads droplets as far as 6 metres, it is best to maintain a distance of 6 metres.