Obesity is one of the fastest-growing pandemics in the world. Impact of Covid 19 on Obesity have been observed Because of our unhealthy lifestyle, lack of physical activity, and consumption of fatty and unhealthy food, more and more people are now becoming obese all over the world.
The global numbers for obesity have almost tripled since 1975. In India, more than 135 million people suffer from obesity. An increase in the rates of obesity during COVID-19 has been observed.
These numbers have become worse only because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As the world around us has calmed down, there was an even lesser amount of physical activity that most people are doing which led to an adverse impact of COVID-19 on obesity.
Rising Impact of Covid 19 on Obesity is also because of the gyms and other workout spots are closed, and most people are now working from their homes. All these factors have led to an alarming rise in the number of people crossing the obese mark.
In this article, we will talk about COVID-19 and obesity. We will also discuss what you can do to prevent this from happening.
1. Impact of Covid 19 on Obesity?
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased risk of obesity and its related disorders. Obesity is a very high-risk factor for many deadly diseases such as heart attack, kidney failure, stroke, and many more.
In addition, obesity worsens the effect of COVID and is a major contributing factor for COVID mortality. The pandemic has caused a vicious cycle between obesity and COVID, with COVID-19 causing obesity and obesity causing higher mortality in people with COVID.
It has also been observed that many diseases caused by obesity are being underreported and causing either long-lasting damaging issues or mortality in many people.
Several reasons are responsible for this, such as:
- Avoidance of hospital visits because of the pandemic.
- Overburdened Healthcare system due to COVID.
- COVID treatment is the priority compared to other diseases.
Avoidance of hospital visits because of the pandemic
Most people are now apprehensive about going to the hospitals for minor issues because of the risk of catching the coronavirus.
Obesity is a very slow killer. It takes years for the person to start showing symptoms. But it is also very easy and important to prevent obesity at the root because it can be very harmful to the body.
During pre-covid times, people went to the hospital for the slightest of symptoms. But that is no longer happening, and many deadly obesity-related diseases are not being diagnosed at the right time.
Overburdened Healthcare system due to COVID
COVID has overburdened the entire healthcare system of the country. All the doctors, nurses, and other health care workers are busy handling the enormous COVID-19 cases in the country.
This makes very few doctors available for consultation of diseases other than COVID-19.
COVID treatment is the priority compared to other diseases
In addition to the factors mentioned above, it is also important to note that COVID treatment is the priority right now.
Treatment for most other diseases is on a back stand right now because of overwhelming COVID cases.
2. How Covid-19 leads to a rise in the obesity rate?
So, how COVID lead to a rise in the obesity rate?
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rise in the obesity rate in the country because of lack of exercise and improper eating habits. COVID is causing obesity across all age groups. We will talk about these in detail in the next section.
- Covid-19 and Child Obesity
- Obesity in adults
Covid-19 and Child Obesity
COVID-19 related obesity has been seen in many children. The efforts that have been made to reduce the transmission of the virus such as, the closing of schools, public parks, and other public spaces, have led to an increased rate of obesity in children.
While most children were physically very active with their school activities and playtime, most children are now stuck in their homes with little space and less opportunity for proper physical exercise.
Obesity in adults
Adults are not faring better than children in this aspect. Obesity rise during COVID has also been observed in adults because it has also affected the levels of physical activities in adults adversely.
Most people do not step out of their homes until necessary. Also, people prefer to take their cars or bikes for their daily chores to limit coronavirus exposure.
In addition, increased stress levels because of COVID and economic difficulties have also led to weight gain in many people. Stress-eating and snacking because of boredom is shown in many young adults.
Weight gain has also been noticed in people who are recovering from COVID-19. After COVID infection, most people are very weak and lethargic. Therefore, it is also advised that people should get proper rest during the recovery period.
This state of inactivity can lead to weight gain in many people who are recovering from COVID-19.
3. How to manage weight in COVID-19?
Managing your weight during COVID-19 is essential for your well-being. If you are overweight or obese, you are at a higher risk of developing a severe condition. In addition, you will also be at risk of developing other diseases such as high BP, heart diseases, and more.
The two most essential components of managing your weight are your diet and exercise.
Diet
- It is crucial to eat properly even when you are stuck at home.
- Eat proper, well-balanced meals.
- Avoid eating junk food.
- Avoid stress eating.
- Lower your consumption of alcohol.
- Avoid smoking.
- Eat smaller portions of food throughout the day.
- Drink plenty of water and other forms of fluids.
Exercise
Regular physical exercise will help you maintain your weight and help manage your stress levels and keep you happy.
Since you can not go outside for your daily exercise, find alternatives that can be done inside your home.
- You can do indoor exercises like pilates. The internet is full of follow-along videos which you can follow.
- You can also try yoga and meditation at your home. These will also help manage your stress levels.
- You can also walk inside your house or in your garden if you have one.
- If you have stairs at your home, climbing them 10 to 15 times will also fulfill your daily exercise requirement.
Take Away
This was a brief article on obesity during COVID-19 and it also explains the impact of COVID-19 on obesity in people and what you can do about it. We hope that this was helpful to you. If you have any further doubts, feel free to contact the Hemi Soneja clinic.
Dr Hemi is a Diabetes & Obesity Specialist Doctor. At the Hemi Soneja Clinic, you will get the right suggestion and care according to your concerns.
