‘Obese must follow hygiene, social distancing strictly’
How must obese people take care of themselves during the lockdown amid Covid-19?
Recent scientific papers show obesity as the single most risk factor for mortality with Covid-19. The number of obese patients is more than those with diabetes and hypertension. Obese people must follow social distancing and hygiene strictly. If you have family members or housemates going in and out of the house, you may want to isolate yourself from them as they may carry the virus even if they do not have symptoms.
What are extra precautions that they must take?
Obese people especially above 45 years have to take extra care as they are prone to the disease. They must keep a strict schedule at home where the house helps and others do not meet them without washing hands and legs once they enter their homes. A strict distance must be maintained. Apart from hand hygiene, they should do breathing exercises to improve lung functions and take frequent short walks in house.
With lockdown there is restrictions in movement and also sedentary lifestyle how must they manage?
It is most important for them is to eat healthy. This is not vacation time for them. In fact, these are more testing times for obese people. Avoid fatty foods, alcohol and junk food. Take food which will boost immunity. Take brisk walks inside your house whenever possible. Since you cannot go to a gym, spend more time walking than sitting. Go up and down the stairs for 15 minutes in the morning and evening. If you watch TV for long, try and walk around the house or do some push-ups.
What after the lockdown ends?
The end of the lockdown is not the end of Covid-19 as it will be here to stay till a drug to treat patients or a vaccine is found. It will not be possible to go to gyms immediately. Hence watching your diet is very important.