Living With Obesity During the Pandemic

On Saturday there were 4,422 additional confirmed UK cases of Covid 19 and on Sunday, another 3899, bringing the total number of cases to 394,257.

Boris Johnson spent the weekend considering whether to tighten Covid-19 measures in England, after saying the UK was “now seeing a second wave”.

The government is understood to be looking at a ban on households mixing, and reducing opening hours for pubs. At least 13.5 million people, roughly one in five of the UK population, are already facing local restrictions, as the PM announced new fines for those avoiding self-isolation.

Former government adviser Prof Neil Ferguson said new measures were needed “sooner rather than later”. “If we leave it another two to four weeks, we will be back at [infection] levels we were seeing more like mid-March. “That’s clearly going to cause deaths because people will be hospitalised”.

WHO state Eating a healthy diet is very important during the COVID-19 pandemic. What we eat and drink can affect our body’s ability to prevent, fight and recover from infections.

While no foods or dietary supplements can prevent or cure COVID-19 infection, healthy diets are important for supporting immune systems. Good nutrition can also reduce the likelihood of developing other health problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer.

According to the Public Health Agency evidence suggests that being obese or excessively overweight puts people at greater risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19.

UK and international studies that have been published during the pandemic have been reported by Public Health England in its publication Excess Weight and COVID-19, outlining insights that are becoming available from these new sources of evidence.

Evidence shows an association between obesity and COVID-19 outcomes. These include the known effects of excess fatty tissue on heart and lung health, among other functions. It is well publicised that weight-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are associated with more severe COVID-19.

The current evidence does not suggest that having excess weight increases people’s chances of contracting COVID-19 rather that obese people are significantly more likely to become seriously ill and be admitted to intensive care with COVID-19 compared to those with a healthy weight or BMI.

Evidence shows that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are disproportionately affected by obesity as well as COVID-19.

Gaining weight often happens gradually over time. Most people consume more calories than their body needs. The odd unhealthy habit can result in excess weight gain over time, which puts additional pressure on our bodies. Extra weight causes fat to build up around vital organs, making it harder for the body to fight against diseases like cancer, heart disease and now COVID-19.

A new report from Public Health England has confirmed that being obese or excessively overweight increases the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19.

The current evidence does not suggest that having excess weight increases people’s chances of contracting COVID-19. However, the data does show that obese people are significantly more likely to become seriously ill and be admitted to intensive care with COVID-19 compared to those with a healthy BMI.

The world Health organisation state that worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975.

It’s not only Covid that should be a concern. Carrying extra weight causes cardiovascular diseases (mainly heart disease and stroke), diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis – a highly disabling degenerative disease of the joints); and some cancers (including endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon).

Gaining weight is all too easy. We’ve all heard, and maybe experienced, the “Covid Stone”. Losing weight on the other hand, takes determination and resolve.

How is it best to get going?

Drawing up a plan of action, with a deadline and an achievable goal always helps. Creating a list of foods or actual meals that are healthy and sticking to it. Also, of course, planning and bringing additional exercise into your weekly routine.

Sticking to plans like this is not always easy. Especially if your weight gain is due to sugary food and drinks, which leave you craving for more.

Focusing on gut health rather than weight loss can help to reduce cravings and can have the happy side effect of weight loss too.

Most people that follow a gut purifying plan also experience more energy, better sleep and a more positive mood.

It’s a great way for the whole family to stay healthy and can easily become a way of life.

After just 3 weeks of following a purify plan I found that cakes, biscuits and wine were of no interest to me at all. I lost 11lb, had more energy and was sleeping solidly – something I hadn’t done for years.

As the restrictions begin to be tightened as the second wave of Corona virus strikes across the UK, is it time to begin a new regime and get yourself in tip top condition?

If you are interested in learning more about gut health and the 21 day purify plan, get in touch for more details.