Just as persons with diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems or asthma are at higher risk of contracting coronavirus, overweight and obese persons are at higher risk too. Excessive weight increase complications in coronavirus cases.
Overweight risks
Excessive weight has a negative impact on a person’s resistance to disease. Overweight persons are more susceptible to infection. Also, as their abdomens are enlarged, the diaphragm between the abdomen and chest is pushed up, putting pressure on the respiratory system. This is known as the hypoventilation syndrome.
As the lockdown has lifted, many people have begun going to office again. One can walk to office in order to avoid the risk of public transport. This will help in avoiding crowds, as well as in losing weight.
Obese persons face the risk of pneumonia and of oxygen content falling in the blood . They are also at higher risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Many overweight people also suffer from sleep apnea. This results in less flow of oxygen to the brain during sleep.
Keep a watch on weight
Many people have been remaining at home during the general holiday declared by the government to control the spread of coronavirus. During this time many people have been neglecting to walk, to do light exercise and are also not controlling their eating habits. Many people, as a result, have gained weight.
Attention must be paid to losing weight in order to reduce the risk of coronavirus. Food habits must be disciplined. Intake of additional carbohydrates and fat must be curbed. Intake of fibrous foods such as fruit, vegetables and protein would be increased.
As the lockdown has lifted, many people have begun going to office again. One can walk to office in order to avoid the risk of public transport. This will help in avoiding crowds, as well as in losing weight.
Exercise at home is good too. Walking in the park can be resumed, maintaining social distance. If one’s weight is much more than it should be in proportion to one’s height, a physician should be consulted.
ABM Kamrul Hasan is assistant professor, department of endocrinology, Mymensingh Medical College