Co-morbidities

There should be a public health drive acknowledging that obesity and more particularly quality of diet have an impact on the outcome of Covid 19.

Why the contribution is important

Some of the risk factors for death from Covid 19 cannot be changed - ie asthma, dementia etc. But most people, if they understood the risks, could make changes to their diet/exercise regime to lower their risk.

by alogan on May 06, 2020 at 01:18PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 3.6
Based on: 3 votes

Comments

  • Posted by RucksRus51 May 07, 2020 at 14:38

    While I agree with the principle of promoting a public health drive, to tie that into Co-morbidities and the impact on the outcome of Covid-19 is far too simplistic and an unrealistic approach.

    Many people who are obese suffer from mental health problems and find solace in eating. If you have a BMI of over 30 you are clinically Obese and if it's 40 your clinically severely Obese, to suggest to these people that they should lose weight to improve their chances of surviving Covid-19 is irresponsible. The medical advice states clearly to lose weight at a safe and sustainable rate of 0.5 to 1kg a week, people with 30+ BMI are not going to be able to safely lose enough weight in a short period of time. To suggest this to someone with Mental Health problems will push them "over the edge" into a state where they will eat more not less.

    By all means, do this after the current threat of the pandemic is over, but please don't go down this path while this threat is at such a severe level.

  • Posted by markymalarky May 07, 2020 at 16:41

    I agree with the sentiment , but also with the fact that any timing of such advice needs to be sensitively handled. Evidence is emerging it appears that metabolic syndrome (in all its manifestations) and Vitamin D status are 2 very big factors influencing risk and outcomes . Lessons must be learned and Policies put in place … Diet and the impact of food industry marketing must be looked at in relation to the wider societal costs of poor diets....

  • Posted by frodo May 08, 2020 at 09:43

    I agree with the idea of tackling co-morbidities but would also agree that now is not the time for another health drive.
    Two things that could be possible would be promoting improving vitamin D through supplements and more importantly getting in the sun. There should be more opportunities for access to the outdoors safely. Those with gardens should be encouraged specifically to use that space for sun exposure. Those with sun facing windows should be encouraged to open them and sit in the sun when it is there. If it is noce and warm, they should wear a short sleeved top. Those living in flats, especially north facing ones, should be given priority for access to parks. Sun doesn't just make vitamin D in the body it is good for mental wellbeing.
    It could be a job for volunteers to co-ordinate applications for park access, verify adresses and issue some kind of permit.
    Vitamin D supplements could be made free for anyone testing positive.
    This should happen as soon as possible.
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