Recent analysis of patient data from New York and France show that obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease, particularly among younger patients below 60 years of age. Obese people had almost twice the risk of requiring hospitalisation and also increased risk of ICU admission and mechanical ventilation compared to people with normal BMI.

Obesity increases the risk of many co-morbidities like Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease etc which increase the severity of COVID-19 disease. Obese people also tend to have lowered immunity which makes them more susceptible to develop sever illness with any infection.

I would recommend to choose healthy weight loss options to rid of the fat and improve immunity. Healthy Weight Loss mantra is losing fat while strengthening muscle. Healthy lifestyle with a proper calorie balanced nutrient rich diet and regular exercise are essential for improving immunity.

— Dr. Tejaswini Gaikwad —