Why Is Being Overweight Or Obese Linked To COVID-19?
Early research suggests that being overweight or obese is associated with worse outcomes following infection with COVID-19.
In recent studies on weight and COVID-19, having obesity increases the risk of severe diseases from COVID-19. People that are overweight may also be at risk.
Having obesity can triple the risk of hospitalization due to a COVID-19 infection since it is linked to impaired immune function. Obesity decreases lung capacity and reserve and can make ventilation more difficult.
A study of COVID-19 cases suggests that the risks of hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, invasive mechanical ventilation, and death are higher with increasing BMI.
Besides the risk of COVID-19, maintaining a healthy weight is important for your overall health. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Different kinds of cancers
- Arthritis
- Gallstones
- Asthma
- Infertility
- Snoring
- And sleep apnea
Most adults between the ages of 18 to 49 gain about 1 to 2 pounds each year. Gaining weight as you age increases your chances of developing one or more chronic diseases.
In the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, middle-aged women and men who gained 11 to 22 pounds after age 20 were up to three times more likely to develop heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and gallstones than those who gained five pounds or fewer.
Weight gain is typically caused by:
- Diet
- Genes
- Physical inactivity
- Lack of sleep
Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health! It can help you to prevent and control many diseases, make you feel good, and give you more energy.
Some ways you can reach and maintain a healthy weight:
- Follow a balanced diet
- Stay physically active
- Reduce the time you spend being physically inactive
Changes don’t happen overnight! So take care of your weight by starting small and make sure to maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
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