Will weight loss protect you from COVID-19? Know the facts

By Ashika Rajan, Trainee Reporter
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Weight Loss
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Weight loss becomes a major concern at a time when we are cooped up within our homes due to the world’s spiraling coronavirus cases and living a sedentary lifestyle.

So, if you’re looking to lose those extra kilos, take a look at these research-backed facts that will help you better understand the weight-loss process.

Weight loss may protect you against severe COVID-19 infection

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Ms. Kanakadurga Singer, an Associate Professor and a Pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Michigan and co-author of a report published in the November 2020 issue of Endocrinology, suggests that “bringing your weight down may not help you avoid COVID-19 completely, but it can certainly play a role in reducing the chances you’ll have severe complications if you get it.”

According to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, inactive peoples are more likely to need intensive care and die than those who had consistently met physical activity guidelines. As per the study, a sedentary lifestyle is linked to a more serious COVID-19 infection and a higher risk of dying from the virus.

When it comes to weight loss, age is irrelevant

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As you are all aware, losing weight at any age increases one’s immunity, which aids in the battle against COVID-19 infection. According to a study published in Clinical Endocrinology, your age has little impact on your weight loss performance. All that is needed is a healthy diet and an unwavering desire to achieve a healthy body. This is especially important in today’s world.

Alcohol consumption causes weight gain

However, if you want to lose weight, you can limit your alcohol consumption. Although heavy alcohol consumption is harmful to one’s health and can make it difficult to lose weight, as per research presented at a conference sponsored by the European Association for the Study of Obesity, even small amounts of alcohol can cause weight gain.

Electronic devices help in weight loss

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It’s always a good idea to keep track of your weight loss progress. Using different digital devices to monitor your calories, habits, sleep, and mood, among other things, is a very successful way to stay motivated and shed those extra kilos, according to a research analysis published in the journal Obesity.

Skipping meals is a big no

It isn’t necessarily true that you must go hungry to lose weight. Sitting at home all day (as we are right now due to COVID-19 restrictions) will make us want to eat less. Also, many of us choose to eat a heavy breakfast and skip dinner. However, according to a study published in the journal Nutrients, the last meal of the day is more essential than the first. In a survey of 25000 university students, it was discovered that those who skipped dinner gained 10 percent more weight than those who did not.

Related: Our food choices are influenced by co-workers; Study

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