Underweight vs Overweight and its Relation to COVID-19
Around The World: Overweight
- Nearly tripled since 1975.
- More than 1.9 billion adults, 650 million were obese (2016).
- Over 340 million children and adolescents were obese (2016).
Around The World: Underweight
- Underweight in women and men were 9.7% and 8.8% (2014)
- Estimated 101 million children under 5 years of age were underweight (2011).
- Most of the world’s population live in countries where overweight and obesity kills more people than underweight.
Differences Between Underweight and Overweight
What is Obesity?
Abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. However, obese individuals differ not only according to the degree of excess fat, which they store, but also in the regional distribution of the fat within the body.
How To Detect?
Underweight
BMI: < 18.5 (kg/m2)
Normal
BMI: 18.5 – 24.9 (kg/m2)
Overweight / Pre-Obese
BMI: 25 – 29.9 (kg/m2) | 2.30 – 24.9 (kg/m2)
Obese
Class I
BMI: 30.00 – 34.9 (kg/m2)
25.0 – 29.9 (kg/m2)
Class II
BMI: 35.0 – 39.9 (kg/m2)
> 30.0 (kg/m2)
Class III
BMI: ≥40.0 (kg/m2)
How is Obesity Related to COVID-19?
According to the study of Obesity and Impaired Metabolic Health in Patients with COVID19 by a team of experts in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States obesity might increase the risk of severe COVID-19 which involves respiratory dysfunction.
Findings of Research: Obesity and Impaired Metabolic Health in Patients with COVID-19
How can we minimize the risk of weight issues that could lead to COVID-19?
Limit energy intake from total fats and sugars in order to prevent weight gain.
Increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts for good health.
Engage in regular physical activity (60 minutes a day for children; 150 minutes spread through the week for adults) to burn excessive fat.