The times they are a changin sang Bob Dylan in 1964, and he certainly could have written it about these times. As we emerge more and more out of lockdown, our habits will start to change, back to old habits and to start new habits. This is certainly true for health and fitness and the emphasis of its importance to our lives presently and certainly going forward, with an eye on what may be around the corner. We will have a look here, at the implications of good health and indeed lack of it during these times.

Lockdown lounging has probably been the go to activity for most during COVID-19 living. This certainly cannot be frowned upon, as we all have just had other things to contend with. However, now is the time to act and remedy this. Carrying extra weight is never ideal as it comes with a whole raft of health issues. These range from diabetes to posture issues and can lead to life threatening situations. But what we have learnt during this epidemic is that those with a high BMI are more at risk of contracting COVID-19. What we are also being told, is that there is a possible winter second wave to come, and again those that are overweight are going to be in a high risk category of contracting the virus.

Is there evidence obesity is a risk for the virus?

This question has been the subject of many studies as experts try to work out the answer.

• In a study of nearly 17,000 hospital patients with Covid-19 in the UK, those who were obese - with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30 - had a 33% greater risk of dying than those who were not obese.

• A separate study of NHS electronic health records found a doubling of the risk of dying from Covid-19 among people who were obese. If other health conditions linked to obesity such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes were also taken into account the risk would be even higher, the researchers said.

• And a study of critically ill patients in UK intensive care units found that nearly 34.5% were overweight, 31.5% were obese and 7% morbidly obese (a total of 73%), compared to 26% with a healthy BMI.

These figures compare to 64% overweight and obese in the UK population - 35% with a BMI of 25-29 and 29% with a BMI of 30 or higher.

Why is being obese a risk?

The more overweight you are, the more fat you're carrying, the less fit you are and the lower your lung capacity. This means it is a bigger struggle to get oxygen into the blood and around the body. This impacts on the heart and blood flow too.

"Because people are more overweight, they also have a demand for more oxygen. So that means their system is actually undergoing greater pressure," says Prof Naveed Sattar, from the University of Glasgow.

During an infection like coronavirus, this can be serious.

"Eventually the obese body becomes overwhelmed by the lack of oxygen getting to the major organs," says Dr Dyan Sellayah, from the University of Reading.

That is one reason why overweight and obese people in intensive care are more likely to need assistance with breathing and support with kidney function.

Keeping our weight down has and always will be crucial in maintaining a healthy body and helping to keep it free of a host of diseases. The onset and continuance of COVID have highlighted and brought the importance even more sharply into focus the need to acquire and maintain a healthy weight.

Other health problems due to inactivity are numerous, but here are a few of the main issues that can arise:

Risk of Developing Heart Disease Increases

Problems arising can be impaired coronary blood flow and cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a main factor in high disease. The chances of developing high cholesterol increases in those who are physically inactive. Exercise helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL)

Osteoporosis is more likely to occur

Frequent physical activity helps the bones to maintain a healthy density and keep them strong. This is truer for older adults, and especially those who are more susceptible to a fall, as healthy bones are strong bones.

Colon and Breast Cancer Risk Increases

Physical inactivity contributes to the risk of colon cancer in a few ways. Waste moves through the colon slower in people who are sedentary. This increases the time the waste spends in the colon, which may allow the colon to be exposed to possible carcinogens for a longer period of time. Physical activity helps keep things moving through the colon faster. Breast cancer may also occur more often in women who are inactive. According to the National Cancer Institute, hormone levels may be lowered with regular exercise, which can decrease the chance of breast tumors developing.

Adult Onset Diabetes is More Likely to Develop

Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes, occurs when insufficient levels of insulin are produced, or resistance to insulin develops. Two risk factors for developing adult onset diabetes include being overweight and physical inactivity. Complications of diabetes include kidney disease and heart disease, eye problems and nerve damage.

Higher Chance of Developing Depression and Anxiety

Along with physical problems related to inactivity, negative emotional effects can also develop. According to the WHO, people who are sedentary are more likely to develop anxiety and depression. Exercise helps reduce or prevent anxiety and depression in several ways. When a person is physically active, chemicals are released in the brain which help improve mood and reduce stress.

In Conclusion

Some factors such as age and genetics cannot be changed but what certainly can be, and it is never too late to start, is physical activity. In uncertain times, what you can be certain of is that being active will certainly help you to steer clear of a whole host of diseases and complications. With COVID being ever present and a second wave dangling over our heads, if ever there was a time to act, it is now.

For a healthier way to train, outside of the booking constraints and less sanitised surroundings of a gym, get in touch with me and we can action your goals, and help you make some healthy decisions leading to a brighter future.

Sources:

• WHO

• CDC

• Cancer.gov

• BBC

Ben Beale is a mobile Personal Trainer living In Paulton, who travels out to clients in the surrounding towns and villages, and cities of Bath and Bristol.