The truth hurts. Indeed, there’s no telling how much hurt America is experiencing right now with over 500,000 lives lost to the virus. To put that in perspective, the number is near twice the number of Americans who died during World War 2. But as staggering as it is, one surprise somehow has risen to the top during these difficult times.
People who are obese or overweight are prone to be drastically affected by the virus. In fact, their survival rate is a lot lower compared to those who don’t tip the scales.
On the other side of the fence, it’s all logical. Even before the virus, studies have shown that people who are overweight have a greater risk of developing life-threatening complications. Indeed, a string of serious health complications has been attributed to obesity. We’re talking about heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and stroke just to name a few. The problem is COVID-19 complications have been added to this list. What’s worse is it may lead to death faster than any disease before it.
The good news is diet can play a huge role in ensuring you get fit and fab. Taking a long hard look at what you put on the table daily can go a long way in helping you stay healthy, and breathing.
Weighty Burdens
Looking at America from the perspective of excess fat can indeed put it in a disadvantageous position. The Land where hot dogs were born is home to more obese and overweight people than anywhere else in the world. Before the virus ever set foot on American soil, America is home to 13% of the planet’s fat population. That is the largest percentage of fat people in any country, as reported in the Lancet.
Indeed, it’s grim. Think about it. Overall, there are over 2 billion people on the planet who are classified as heavy. The world’s two most populous nations, China and India combined, have 15% of these people who tip the scales.
And that picture has become even grimmer by the day. Of the 900,000 COVID-related hospitalizations in the U.S. from the start of the pandemic to November 2020, about 271,800 of them are complications by people considered heavy. Obesity, apparently, is a big factor in COVID-19 complications.
Study shows obesity triples the risk of hospitalization or complications due to the virus. Worse, obesity makes ventilation more challenging. In short, obesity could mean death.
Diet to the Rescue
Luckily, we are what we eat. Diet can play a huge factor in boosting one’s ability to fight infections, be it bacterial or viral. Studies show that a well-balanced diet guarantees to strengthen the immune system helping to withstand any attack by the virus.
A crucial step therefore for anyone who wants to make his immune system stronger is to look into one’s own diet. A good way to do this is to consult experienced professional nutritional therapists. While you can always refer to other alternative input, having professionals go over your lifestyle and diet is highly advisable, especially if you’re already struggling to lose weight. Best of all, they can monitor you with a trained eye and recommend a more effective diet to keep you in tiptop shape.
Keeping the right weight is a lifestyle decision. Although it may sound like an uphill climb, many have done it. A quick look at these celebrities should be telling.
To let the good nutrients in, you need to ditch a whole list of bad sources of calories. Top of that list is junk foods, and yes, carbonated drinks. Additionally, you should nix foods that boost anxiety. We’re talking about caffeine and alcohol.
A good rule is to focus on nutrient-rich fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Overindulging can be your downfall. So learn to count calories.
Management is Key
As the virus has locked us all in for some time now, there is a greater risk of visiting the fridge and binge eat. Manage your everyday. Fill it up with activities and routines that promote an active lifestyle.
You can team up with friends and colleagues who are in the same situation as you online. It’s also important you connect with people who have successfully overcome their weight problems. When you look up to them, you give yourself a greater chance to reach your goal. In this regard, you should avoid people who bring you down. They will only stir negative feelings that won’t help you achieve your target.
Moreover, the feelings of loneliness can drive you to hit the kitchen more often than needed. A good way to fight such urges is to schedule a meal together with people in the house. That way you lose the negative feelings and focus on your goal of keeping the best version of yourself out.