{"id":835,"date":"2020-09-14T19:49:59","date_gmt":"2020-09-14T19:49:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/percivalernest.com\/sunlight_2023\/?p=835"},"modified":"2020-09-14T19:49:59","modified_gmt":"2020-09-14T19:49:59","slug":"headlines-explored-body-weight-coronavirus-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sunlightnutrition.co.uk\/?p=835","title":{"rendered":"Headlines Explored: Body Weight & Coronavirus (COVID-19)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The current battle with coronavirus (COVID-19) has been an all-encompassing challenge \u2013 for both our physical and mental health. As we live through this era and adapt to this \u2018new normal\u2019, it\u2019s easy to get overwhelmed by the constant flow of new information and news updates. It\u2019s hard to avoid the facts, the figures and the headlines which sometimes bring us contradicting information and advice which can change regularly. This can be attributed to the fact that we are working with new data, the best we\u2019ve got at that time.<\/p>\n

The Government are working with scientists and making decisions based on the most up to date and recent available evidence. For now, it is important to follow the latest guidelines which are developed by the country\u2019s leading scientific experts. One headline that caught our attention lately was that those at a higher body mass index (BMI) are at higher risk of corona virus complications than those at lower BMIs.<\/p>\n

What is BMI?<\/strong><\/p>\n

BMI is a measure of weight in comparison to your height, quite literally, your weight divided by your height in metres squared. It is often used as indicator to identify if somebody is at an appropriate weight for their height. The World Health Organisation (WHO) have set the following definitions for BMI (1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Underweight<\/td>\n<18.5kg\/m2<\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2018Ideal\u2019 Weight<\/td>\n18.5-24.99kg\/m2<\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Over Weight<\/td>\n24.99-29.99kg\/m2<\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Living with Obesity<\/td>\n>30kg\/m2<\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

A persons weight or BMI is often used to assess health status, which is backed by evidence however both are sometimes challenged and considered a crude markers of health. BMI, like most measures, is not perfect and has strengths and limitations. The above categories are not explicit and it is possible to be \u2018healthy\u2019 with a BMI under 18.5kg\/m\u00b2 or over 30kg\/m\u00b2. BMI does not take into account body diversity – as individuals we come in all different shapes and sizes. Some bodies are of a slender build and some are curvy and take up more space. BMI also does not take muscle mass into consideration. Muscle weighs more than fat, so somebody could be of a large build with a low body fat and high muscle mass and by WHO definition may be considered to be overweight or living with obesity (2). The strongest evidence of a relationship between weight and health is seen at the extremes of BMI (an extremely high or low weights). All in all, it is a nuanced tool, to be used with care and perspective. At present it is the most common tool used to assess an individual\u2019s body weight and is frequently used within the NHS.<\/p>\n

BMI & Risks<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is a body of evidence to suggest that those at higher BMIs above 30kg\/m\u00b2 are at a higher risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Weight increase occurs when we consume more energy (kcal in food) than we expend (movement and body functions e.g. breathing). In order to maintain weight the two must be equal. To lose weight, an energy deficit must occur (take in fewer kcal than we expend). Current clinical recommendations for weight loss do not advocate that those at higher BMIs try to reduce their weight and aim to be in the \u2018healthy\u2019 BMI range. Rather, they recommend aiming for a 3-5% reduction in body weight, as evidence suggests the healthy BMI range is unrealistic and unachievable for most individuals (3). Those at higher BMIs with raised cholesterol, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes can benefit from as little as 5% weight-loss (4).<\/p>\n

There is emerging evidence to suggest that those at higher BMIs (>30kg\/m\u00b2) are at an increased risk of corona virus complications including the need for intensive care admission and need for artificial ventilation support. Evidence currently states that higher BMIs may effect the severity corona virus infection. It is important to note that this is not definitive, and it is based on the small body of available evidence so far. What the evidence is not suggesting at present is that those with higher BMIs are an increased risk of catching the infection itself.<\/p>\n

Government Reaction<\/strong><\/p>\n

This evidence has triggered the Government to act in a bid to improve the health and fitness of the Nation. You may have seen the Government\u2019s better health campaign already, but if not, here is a quick breakdown:<\/p>\n