The second wave of corona infection is considered to be very dangerous for people with comorbidities. According to health experts, people who already have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems and other serious problems are more prone to corona infection than other people. Along with all these diseases, experts have also found a higher risk of corona among people suffering from obesity. Experts say that compared to lean and fit people, people with obesity are not only more prone to Covid-19 infection, but such people are also more afraid of long-term complications due to Covid.
According to a study conducted at the Cleveland Clinic, people who have recovered from corona are more prone to long-term Covid-19 problems due to obesity.
Describing obesity as a major problem, the World Health Organization has emphasized the need for its control and management.
According to a study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, long-term Covid-19 complications are being seen in people due to obesity. Scientists have come to this conclusion based on a study conducted on 2,839 patients who have recovered from Covid-19 at the Cleveland Clinic. Lead researcher Ali Aminian says that during the study, we have seen more complications due to Covid-19 in people with obesity than in other people.
During the study, the results of 5 groups were compared based on the body mass index (BMI) of 2,839 people. Groups were divided into 18.5–24.9 BMI (normal), 25–29.9 BMI (overweight), 30–34.9 BMI (mild obesity), 35–39.9 BMI (moderately obese), and 40 BMI or more (severe obesity). The study findings showed that compared to people with normal BMI, the risk of hospitalization was 28 per cent higher in people with moderate obesity and 30 per cent for those with severe obesity.
Inflammation, weakened immunity, and other comorbidities, along with obesity, can exacerbate problems, says Bartolome Barguera, president of the Cleveland Clinic’s Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute and another researcher on the study. These conditions may increase the risk of serious complications due to Covid-19 in obese patients as well as the risk of long-term Covid-19 complications in these patients.
According to health experts, obesity can be controlled. With proper efforts, you can not only reduce obesity but also reduce the complications related to Covid-19 due to obesity. For this, it is most important to keep these things in mind.
- Avoid foods high in sugar and processed foods and eat a healthy and balanced diet.
- Try to stay physically and mentally active through yoga, exercise and meditation. Obesity can also be reduced through exercise.
- Drink enough water daily to keep the body hydrated.
- Make a goal of controlling weight and work on it.
- Keep checking the body mass index (BMI). A BMI of 30 or more is considered obese.