Obese people 70% more at risk of severe COVID-19, expert says
By: Team Ifairer | Posted: 19-09-2020
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An expert panel of nutritionists recently noted that obesity needs to be taken seriously and managed on priority basis in the wake of the sedentary lifestyles people have started following owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on right food and exercise. Ishi Khosla, clinical nutritionist, Centre For Dietary Counselling stated that obese people have 70 per cent higher chances of contracting viral diseases and suffering from severe symptoms. She also elaborated on lifestyle diseases that are being triggered by COVID-19 like insomnia, adverse eating habits caused due to ungainly work hours and excessive screen time.
Speaking on the importance of consuming magnesium for people with insomnia, Khosla said, "People who are generally healthy are complaining of not being able to sleep due to anxiety and the fear of uncertainty. There are two parts to tackling it, one is diet and the other is lifestyle interventions. Eat foods that is easy to digest. When your digestion is good, your body begins to relax and can focus on other functions. To calm your nervous system, specific vitamins and minerals, like magnesium can help people with anxiety and sleep disorders. It can also help in controlling cholesterol, diabetes and sleep management."
The discussion part of the sixth edition of the 'Illness to Wellness' series themed 'Lifestyle Behaviour During COVID-19' organised by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), one of the apex trade associations of India.