Morbid Obesity & Covid-19
Early data indicate that obesity (Body Mass Index >30) is a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19 infection.
Body Mass Index >30 35 dramatically increases the likelihood of intubation in the event of hospitalization in an intensive care unit.
This global crisis and home confinement have changed everyone’s daily life and habits.
Regarding overweight patients as well as patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, special attention is needed regarding:
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Diet
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Physical activity
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Sleep
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Above all, absolute compliance with the measures to restrict movement is needed.
Medication should not be interrupted for any reason: it is important that diabetes mellitus is regulated, as well as blood pressure.
For those who use respiratory assistance during their sleep, they must definitely continue using it.
If someone has had surgery to lose weight, vitamins, trace elements and nutritional supplements are essential to have a strong immune system.
Medical, Psychological or nutritional monitoring must be continued without moving.
Technology today allows for online visits.
If a patient experiences pain after bariatric surgery, they must contact their doctor without delay.
Patients who cough or have a fever, difficulty breathing, or a loss of taste or smell should contact their doctor immediately.
Physical exercise is essential.
To be effective, it should last from 20 minutes to 1 hour. We focus on how a regular exercise program should be done. It should include cycles of 5 – 10 different exercises that must be repeated and must be done in periods of one minute without a break between them.
We can use what we have at home such as water bottles for arm exercises, stable chairs for push-ups, etc.
Regarding nutrition, during this difficult period, let’s try to follow four simple rules:
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Maintain a nutritional balance (use fresh products and make a weekly meal plan).
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Avoid, by all means, snacking (do not consume products with fat, a lot of salt or sugar and prefer fruits or nuts without salt).
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Do not use, for any reason, processed foods or ready-made dishes. Prefer pure raw materials, get the children involved.
- Reduce the quantities during meals and use smaller plates.
Good luck to everyone!
