Obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure were found to be the main culprits.
The coronavirus has so far shown us somewhat predictable patterns and also largely wild behavior. Young children, while not always off the hook for severe complications, usually do much better at fighting it off. This is known. Sometimes people you would expect to become extremely sick, however, such as a heavy smoker, do fine and an otherwise healthy middle-aged gym rat succumbs to COVID-19’s claws. It’s a vicious and harsh virus. It continues to throw us for a loop.
So, obviously we need more information. Thankfully, we are now getting it. Sifting through the pandemic’s confusion, a team of researchers from Tufts University has identified what is more likely to land you in the hospital when it comes to the coronavirus.
A study done in late February pinpointed four health conditions responsible for about two-thirds of coronavirus hospitalizations in the US. (The US is home to about 4% of the world’s population, yet almost 25% of all reported coronavirus cases. Of course, many countries may have scores of undocumented cases. It is likely that the US does too, however).
Preventable Deaths
Using a mathematical simulation, researchers calculated that about 30% of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the US were caused by obesity. A further 26% were attributable to hypertension, 21% to diabetes, and about 12% to heart failure.
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In total, researchers said the model suggests that up to 64% of all coronavirus hospitalizations in the nation could actually have been prevented. Well over 900,000 people have been hospitalized so far in the US for the coronavirus.
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Heart failure
“We know that changes in diet quality alone, even without weight loss, rapidly improve metabolic health within just six to eight weeks,” said Dariush Mozaffarian, the study’s lead author. “It’s crucial to test such lifestyle approaches for reducing severe COVID-19 infections, both for this pandemic and future pandemics likely to come,” he added.
So, while major lifestyle overhauls may not be within reach for many people suffering from underlying conditions, know that small changes can be beneficial. It can be difficult to try to exercise more and adjust your eating habits while the pandemic is on. Group support may not be accessible, gyms are closed in some places, and snacking is hard to avoid while at home. Reaching for healthy snacks can do a lot, Mozaffarian is suggesting, however. Everyone is capable of change. Experts suggest taking one step at a time. Cut out just one bad habit, such as snacking on cookies. Load up your fridge with fruit instead. Go for grapes, berries, melon, and bananas. You could soon find you don’t miss the processed sugar at all.
Talk to your doctor about how you can start a journey with small steps towards wellness. You are worth it!
photo credits: Halfpoint/Shutterstock.com
