Obesity increases your risk of COVID-19.

   Patients with obesity and chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are more likely to become severely ill and die from the COVID-19 outbreak. A study in America found that people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 30 kg/m2 were 74% more likely to have severe illness and be admitted to an intensive care unit compared to people with a normal weight. And it's not just the elderly who are at risk. Younger people who are overweight or obese There is also a high chance of death.

Obesity and the Covid virus. 19

   People who are obese are people with a Body Mass Index of more than 30 kg/m2. or have too much fat accumulated in the body Women have more than 32% fat and men more than 28%.

   When the body is infected with a virus. Excessive body fat increases inflammation. The body becomes resistant to insulin (Insulin Resistance), high blood sugar. Work efficiency and the amount of immunity in the body decrease. The severity of the disease therefore increases.

   Excessive visceral fat in obese people. This causes lung expansion to be limited. This results in less air circulating. The risk is therefore higher when there is a lung infection.

Problems of being overweight or obese. This may make it difficult to intubate and move around.

When vaccinated The body will respond less to the vaccine than people of normal weight. This is because the level of immunity decreases from having a lot of fat in the body.

How to take care of the health of obese patients or people with congenital disease

   People who are obese should lose at least 10% of their current body weight. Resulting in better health and helping reduce the risk of illness.

For example, people who weigh 90-100 kilograms should lose 9-10 kilograms.

• Exercise and keep your body moving 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. To make the lungs and heart function better Coupled with strength training exercises by lifting weights 2 times a week. By using simple equipment at home to make your muscles strong.
• Eat unprocessed foods such as carbohydrates from whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Choose protein sources from fish, tofu, and various types of beans to get important vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Helps strengthen the body's immune system.

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Be sure to wash your hands. Wear a mask. and strictly follow social distancing rules. Always keep an eye on your symptoms. If you have any unusual symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Source:

1. Huang Y, Yao L, Huang Y-M, Min W, Wei L, Yi S, et al. Obesity in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Metabolism. 2020:154378.​

2. Popkin BM, Du S, Green WD, Beck MA, Algaith T, Herbst CH, et al. Individuals with obesity and COVID‐19: A global perspective on the epidemiology and biological relationships. Obesity Reviews. 2020;21(11):e13128.