Obesity is a Risk Factor for COVID-19 Infections

The novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is now a global pandemic. COVID-19 is a mysterious pneumonia-resembling illness caused by a distinct strain of coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV-2.

Obesity is a global epidemic of great proportions that leads to 1 in 5 deaths globally.^[1] Morbid obesity is linked to a slew of sicknesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease that lowers the quality of life and shortens it.

COVID-19 is a rather unknown pathogen with little scientific data. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that individuals with comorbidities associated with obesity are predisposed to serious Coronavirus infections. This deadly virus coupled with obesity is like adding fuel to the fire; it is overcrowding hospitals in the United States as well as the rest of the world.^[2]

Mexico Bariatric Center® has been an advocate in fighting and curing the universal obesity pandemic. MBC 0ffers affordable weight loss surgery in Mexico to medical tourists from the United States, Canada, and around the globe.

Obesity Disease and its Related Comorbidities

Obesity-Related Health Conditions and Diseases

Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30, which according to the World Obesity Federation consists of 78 million Americans. Morbid obesity is defined as having a BMI over 40+, which currently affects over 24 million Americans.^[3]

Overweight and obese patients often endure the following chronic and debilitating health problems,

• High Blood Pressure
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Lung Disease
• Heart Disease
• Hypertension
• Hyperlipidemia
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Certain Types of Cancer
• Non-Rheumatoid Arthritis

The prevalence of pulmonary issues is also higher in overweight individuals compared to those who are considered “normal weight.” These problems include asthma, restrictive lung disease, and obstructive sleep apnea.

About Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Originally emerged in the city of Wuhan in China, the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus is a highly contagious flu-like disease.  Epidemiologists predict that this virus will affect 40% to 70% of the world population and may become one of the deadliest plagues of the 21st century.

COVID-19 spreads efficiently like measles without stopping. Airborne transmission is from person-to-person through close contact. On average, 1 person spreads this virus to 8 people. A subject can also contract COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or their eyes.

Populations with advanced age, weakened immune systems, underlying health issues, and undergoing cancer treatment are more prone to this disease.

Coronavirus-19 Prevention, Contagion, and Symptoms

Symptoms of Coronavirus

COVID-19 causes symptoms that are comparable to the virus that creates Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). According to WHO (World Health Organization), patients reported mild to severe indications,

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

These symptoms may appear between 2 to 14 days after exposure. Research data shows as many as 20% of those who get infected never develop symptoms. The death rate of this virus is currently recorded at 5.5%, which is significantly lower than SARS and MERS.^[4]

Caution and  Prevention

As a measure of control and prevention, the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that people practice good hygiene,

• Washing hands with soap or water
• Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces, like cell phones

At this point, there is not enough testing for the general public and no vaccination or antiviral insight. The only remedy is social distancing, staying home, and lockdowns.

Obesity is a Risk Factor

Obesity and specifically its related health issues are shown to amplify the impact of Coronavirus. According to a recent study, being overweight has been linked to causing a more severe course for the virus along with a significantly higher mortality rate.^[5] The CDC reported that people with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and heart disease are at higher risk of COVID-19 complications and hospitalizations.

Coronavirus impact individuals of all ages with pre-existing medical conditions, such as obesity, 6 times more for hospitalization, and a 12 times more for death.

Obesity-Related Virus Complications

The following case studies show the direct correlation between obesity-related conditions and virus complications,

1. The Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre analyzed 194 COVID-19 patients with extremely severe ICU symptoms. They revealed that over 71% of critically ill virus patients were overweight, obese, or morbidly obese.
2. New Orleans Coronavirus fatality rate was nearly seven times the national average as residents suffer from obesity. About 97% of those killed by COVID-19 had a preexisting condition: diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease, and cardiac problems.
3. In the 2009 influenza outbreak, a study of 4,788 participants with influenza‐like illnesses revealed a significant relationship between morbidly obese carriers and hospitalization.

The Snowball Effect

Obesity is not only a major factor for Coronavirus infections, but it has miscellaneous snowballing effects. It poses challenges in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and patient management since it is more difficult to intubate (the process of inserting a tube through the mouth to be placed on a ventilator) obese patients. It is also more challenging to obtain diagnostic imaging as there are weight limits on the machines.

Obese individuals who are infected by this disease need round-the-clock care and specialized doctors/medics. By overwhelming medical facilities, more and more virus carriers are forced to recover at home where they lack containment and treatment, activating potentially non-quarantined victims. The burden on healthcare resources by these patients is leaving very few hospital beds, medical staff, and equipment for other sick people needing treatment like cancer, etc.

Obesity Rates Increase After the Coronavirus Pandemic

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is causing a global economic crisis, which affects the same population at a higher risk of obesity. For example, African Americans are at higher death risk because of their existing medical issues, inadequate access to health care (testing), unstable work environments, and being on the frontline as essential workers.

The COVID-19 pandemic will cause an increase in global obesity rates. Several reasons why Coronavirus may worsen obesity rates, and metabolic disease include:

• Gyms, group weight loss programs, and health clubs are closed.
• Elective yet essential surgical treatments like Gastric Sleeve or RNY Gastric Bypass are halted.
• The measures introduced in some countries to stay home and lockdowns will impact mobility and enforce physical inactivity.
• Self-isolation and quarantine are causing people to consume processed, frozen, and canned food rather than fresh, healthier alternatives.

Conclusion

Our well-being is exposed when two pandemics like obesity and coronavirus meet. Being overweight has life-threatening health-related conditions that are exposing you to virus breakouts, such as COVID-19. Weight loss surgeries like Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Laparoscopic Roux-n-Y Gastric Bypass offer a fast and permanent solution to patients struggling with obesity.

With the high cost of bariatric procedures in Western countries, Mexico offers weight loss solutions to treat individuals suffering from obesity and the comorbidities associated with it. Undergoing bariatric surgery in Mexico renews your life and protects you against the next virus attack.

In the medical tourism industry, one name stands out with integrity that has ultimate care for patients and is socially responsible: Mexico Bariatric Center (MBC).

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fact vs Fiction

– Mobile networks (5G) DO NOT transmit COVID-19.
– Being in the sun and temperatures more than 77F degrees DOES NOT prevent the Conavirus disease.
– You can recover from COVID-19 disease.
– Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds DOES NOT mean you are immune from COVID-19 disease.
– Drinking alcohol does not free you against 2019-nCoV.
– Smoking weeds does not free you against 2019-nCoV.
– Novel Coronavirus can be spread in hot and humid climates.
– Cold weather and snow DO NOT kill COVID-19.
– Taking a hot bath does not prevent COVID-19 disease.
– Hand dryers are not effective in killing the Coronavirus.
– Spraying alcohol or chlorine over your body DOES NOT kill COVID-19 inside your body.
– Vaccines for pneumonia DOES NOT protect you against COVID-19.
– COVID-19 affects older people as well as younger people.
– Antibiotics are not effective in treating COVID-19.

SOURCE: Myth Busters