Obesity and COVID-19

Obesity and COVID-19

Anybody can be infected with the coronavirus. As we continue to learn more about this disease, it becomes clearer that some people are more vulnerable to severe illness than others including those who are obese or overweight. 

Obesity often comes with other health issues such as type-2 diabetes, a weak heart or lungs, and a poorly-functioning kidney. This may come to light until the development of a severe infection which pulls extra stress on the body. 

Why Is Being Obese At Risk?

If you are overweight, you are carrying more fat. The less fit you are, the lower your lung capacity is. This means that it is a great struggle to get oxygen around the body and into the blood. It also impacts the heart and the flow of the blood. People who are overweight have a demand for more oxygen. Throughout infections such as coronavirus, this might be serious. An obese body might be overwhelmed by the shortage of oxygen receiving to the major organs. That is one of the reasons why being obese is more likely to need assistance with breathing. One of the symptoms of coronavirus disease is shortness of breath. 

The Role Of Fat Cells

The enzyme called ACE2 that is present in cells is the main way for the virus to enter the body. Higher levels of this molecule are thought to be found in adipose tissue. Obese people have more of these around their organs and under their skin. That could be one reason that they are at a higher risk of having the infection and a higher risk of being ill with it. 

The Immune System 

The immune response is the ability of the body to fight off the virus. It is wherein obese people, the immune response is not as good as those who are not obese. That is because of the infection determined by the immune cells which are called macrophages that invades our fat tissue. They affect the way our cells react to infection. 

What Can You Do To Be Healthy?

The best way is to exercise regularly, eat healthily, and have a balanced diet. Try to eat slowly and avoid situations where you could be tempted to overeat. 

Eating a healthy and balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health. It can also help you feel at your best. You may follow these tips:

  • Eat lots of vegetables and fruits 
  • Eat more fish
  • Cut down saturated sugar and fat 
  • Eat less salt
  • Get active and be a healthy weight 
  • Do not thirsty
  • Do not skip breakfast

The fundamental key to a healthy diet is to eat the exact quantity of calories. If you eat or drink more than your body needs, you will put on weight because the energy you do not use is stored as fat. You should eat a wide range of foods to make sure you are getting a balanced diet and your body is getting all the nutrients it needs. The recommended calories men should have per day are 2,500. Women should have around 2,00 calories per day.