Weekly News Digest: Obesity and Covid 19 - 5th May

Welcome to a new weekly digest of stories about COVID-19, obesity and related challenges from across the globe.

We will be compiling stories from credible sources representing all regions of the world, including academic articles, position statements and mainstream news, amongst others. 

If you have signed up to our newsletter, we will be sending this digest to your inbox every Monday during the current pandemic. If you have any stories from your country or discipline, please send through to us at eneeds@worldobesity.org.

NEWS

• Coronavirus: Obesity cuts survival chances, Edinburgh research finds
  • Researchers have linked internal tissue inflammation and reduced lung function in people living with obesity to increased risk of cytokine storms and resulting severe illness from coronavirus.
• Hunger, the other side of the Coronavirus Pandemic
  • Discussion on the impact on the economy, the medical response, and projected hunger as a result of Covid-19.
• Our Diets Are Changing Because of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Is It for the Better?
  • Lockdown has forced Americans to cook more and eat out less, which usually leads to better nutrition - but that is not always the case, especially in food deserts.
• It's time to have an honest conversation about the risks of excess weight
  • There is a far higher risk of death from Covid-19 for those with obesity and its associated conditions says a leading cardiologist.
• This is how coronavirus is affecting our already fragile food system
  • This piece argues that the UK government must develop and implement a comprehensive plan to deal with shocks to the food system.

OPINION

• COVID-19 and obesity - lack of clarity, guidance, and implications for care
  • While multiple governments have declared obesity a risk factor for severe illness from coronavirus, the authors questions why they have chosen a BMI of 40kg/m2 or higher as the cutoff.
• School Closures During The Coronavirus Pandemic Might Worsen The Epidemic Of Childhood Obesity
  • While children are forced to remain indoors, some researchers are growing concerned about the longer-term effects on children’s health .
• Obesity and impaired metabolic health in patients with COVID-19
  • While there does appear to be a link between obesity and severe illness from coronavirus, more data, especially regarding BMI of infected patients, must be published before consensus is reached.

COMMENT

• COVID‐19 and obesity
  • Several recent studies have suggested people living with obesity tend to be hospitalized more frequently than others - more research must be done.

RELEASE

• COVID-19 Pandemic Highlights The Need To Fix The Flaws Of Our Food Systems
  • How the coronavirus has highlighted disparities across the world, particularly regarding access to healthy food.

Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the World Obesity Federation.