Minister says obesity exacerbates effects of COVID-19
Obese persons, particularly those suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, are at higher risk of the worst effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
“Persons with diabetes are up to three times more likely, according to what I am told by the experts, to have severe symptoms or die from COVID-19. Hypertension and cardiovascular disease increase the odds for severe COVID-19 by 2.3 and 2.9 times, respectively,” Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said.
“In other words, the chances of your dying, having hypertension or cardiovascular disease, are significantly increased if you get the COVID virus,” he continued. “The obesity issues are real and COVID-19 has amplified that… [This virus] has re-emphasised the [correlation] between lifestyle and personal health vulnerabilities. You only need to look as far as the data on NCDs or co-morbidities and the persons who have been most impacted by the virus.”
Tufton also noted that persons suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at increased risk of severe complications from COVID-19.
He said figures also indicate significantly higher mortality rate for persons with cancer, particularly cancer of the blood.
“The data suggest that those who have an NCD, or multiple NCDs, suffer the worst effects of the virus. When you combine that with age, the effect is even more severe,” he said.
The minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to responding to the fundamental health challenges to public health.
“We have to bring back the focus on NCDs. It is essential, and it cannot be ignored,” he emphasised.