Obesity and COVID-19



Susceptibility to COVID-19 infections

As we have seen around the world, not all persons are equally susceptible to the acute (short term) effects of COVID-19 infections. The chronic (long term) effects are many, and this story is probably still to play out.

The acute symptoms of COVID-19 include both respiratory distress, system wide infections (sepsis) and death. In many regions, healthcare resources have or are being overwhelmed by persons seeking treatment for these acute symptoms.

What is now clear is that not all persons are equally susceptible to the both the acute . The old are more susceptible as their immune systems are weakened. Persons with chronic non-communicable diseases - including type II diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease are also more susceptible. (Let's call them chronic diseases for short).


There are three main risk factors for these chronic non-communicable diseases - your genetics, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Of these, obesity is the most significant risk factor.

Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, although independent risk factors, are linked in that they are both associated with elevated levels of chronic inflammation.  Seniors, with elevated levels of inflammation and who may suffer from these chronic diseases are thus most susceptible to COVID-19 infections.  

Inflammation is meant to protect us against disease and to ready us for action. Unfortunately, when our inflammatory state stays heightened for weeks, months and years, we are more likely to develop these chronic diseases. Our immune systems will also be affected, leading to an enhanced susceptibility to viral infections. 


Obesity
Obesity is the consequence of excessive fat. Fat is inflammatory, whether it is in our fat cells or as Free fat, as accumulates around our organs as visceral fat. While visceral fat is much more inflammatory than the fat in our fat cells, excessive fat will make us unhealthy and susceptible to chronic diseases and to COVID-19 infections.

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity.

While BMI is a good indicator of obesity, elderly persons may suffer from sarcopenic obesity such that BMI becomes a poor indicator of obesity. Sarcopenic obesity occurs when fat starts to infiltrate our muscles. If we do not continue to develop our strength, fat will start to accumulate within our muscles (Think about Wagyu beef!!).

Sarcopenia refers to the loss of skeletal muscle mass which develops in sedentary adults. While excess fat is inflammatory, muscle mass is anti-inflammatory. Our muscles, as they move secrete anti-inflammatory hormones called myokines. Muscles also take up insulin which negates the inflammatory effects of high levels of insulin.  

So sarcopenia will increase our inflammatory state and susceptibility to COVID-19. Sarcopenic obesity, even more so!

Taking action

To minimize our risk of a serious COVID-19 infection, we should take all the necessary precautions. Vaccinate, wear masks, safe distancing AND take positive actions to halt or even reverse obesity, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity.

We need first understand our status. Weigh yourself, if you can with a balance that measures your fat, visceral fat and muscular content. Change you diet to include more protein. Exercise more. Even 20 minutes of exercise per day can make a huge difference to your inflammatory state.

Regardless of you muscle mass, take action to continue to develop strength to ward off sarcopenia. As we age, sarcopenia is an inevitability. Resistance training will slow it down. 

If can afford it, engage a trainer. If you cannot, speak to a senior who works out. Most seniors are very happy to help other seniors develop their level of fitness.




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