Weekly News Digest: Obesity and Covid 19 - 11th May

Welcome to the second 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

• Latest evidence on obesity and COVID-19 (Medical News Today)
  • Presenting results of a scientific review into the correlation between severe disease from Covid-19 and obesity, this article examines the most important preliminary studies, explains possible mechanisms for how the virus impacts people living with excess weight differently, and describes areas for further research.
• Coronavirus: Obesity doubles risk of needing hospital treatment, study suggests (The Independent)
  • A new study by the University of Glasgow scientists adds to the growing body of research suggesting excess weight could be among the biggest risk factors for COVID-19.
• COVID-19: 'Lockdown 15' Weight Gain Metabolic Implications and Risks (MedScape)
  • This is a video and transcript of several respected health care professionals discussing the prevalence of weight gain during lockdown, its effects on metabolic health, and ways to reduce risk.
• COVID-19’s long shadow darkens the future of Southeast Asia’s food security (Relief web)
  • Lockdowns to stop the spread of Covid-19 have heavily damaged the agricultural industry. Experts, concerned about the long-term food supply in Southeast Asia, held a webinar to discuss collaboration with governments and NGOs, supporting small-scale agricultural workers, and maintaining adequate supplies of rice to ensure equitable access.
• Urgent probe into obesity link to Covid-19 deaths: Matt Hancock orders health officials to find why certain groups including the overweight, men and ethnic minorities are more likely to die
  • Preliminary data has found that some populations are more likely to develop severe disease from Covid-19 than others, so the UK government has launched a review of medical records.
• Q&A: Covid-19 pandemic highlights urgent need to change Europe’s food system (Horizon)
  • This is an interview with Professor Peter Jackson of the Institute for Sustainable Food at the University of Sheffield. He advocates for using the coronavirus pandemic to overhaul the current European food supply change, reducing environmental impact, food processing, and food waste through governmental action.
• Coronavirus: Australia fears high obesity rates could lead to more virus deaths (news.com.au)
  • This article suggests that people living with obesity are much more at risk for severe illness and hospitalisation from Covid-19. 

OPINION

• The EU’s COVID-19 budget and recovery plans must ensure a safe and healthy future for all ǀ View (Euro News)
  • After lockdown ends, the European union will have an unprecedented opportunity to “jointly address the current health crisis, the economic crisis the pandemic has triggered, and the ongoing climate crisis.” Some new policies related to obesity prevention include creating pedestrian- and cyclist-only streets and proposed investment in renewable energy in the agriculture sector.
• Coronavirus in Scotland: If lockdown unravels, should we ask the sick, elderly or obese to stay at home instead? (The Herald)
  • As Scotland prepares to relax lockdown procedures, they have considered asking vulnerable groups to continue to isolate. However determining who belongs in these groups is controversial, especially for the elderly and those living with overweight and obesity.
• Fighting Fat Discrimination, but Still Wanting to Lose Weight (New York Times)
  • This article discusses the attitudes towards and controversies surrounding weight loss in the body-positivity movement. Several people were interviewed and shared their experiences. 
• Obese Covid-19 patients 'more at risk of death', top scientist Angela McLean says (Evening Standard)
  • A UK government official announced at a press conference that obesity is linked to fatalities and hospitalisations from coronavirus and encouraged the public to make lifestyle changes. 

RELEASE

• World Obesity Federation statements on COVID-19 & Obesity. 
  • World Obesity have released a number of statements from our various teams on the implications of COVID-19, our operations, as well as guidance to those living with obesity and advice to governments and local bodies in dealing with COVID-19.

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.