Covid-19's Hidden Lesson
The Times of India Delhi|March 13, 2021
Lose weight to be safer from it, and from many other ailments as well
Chetan Bhagat
Covid-19's Hidden Lesson

A recent study done by America’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed a startling metric: 78% of people who have been hospitalised, needed a ventilator, or died from Covid-19 in the US were overweight or obese.

The US is one of the countries hardest hit by Covid-19. It’s also a country with staggering obesity rates. According to CDC, 42% of the US population was obese in 2018. Around two-thirds of the US, the population is overweight.

Obesity is defined as a BMI (body mass index) of over 30. Being overweight is having a BMI over 25. Your BMI can be derived by dividing your weight in kilos by the square of your height in meters (more easily, google BMI calculators and enter your weight and height). As an illustration, a person of BMI 30 with a 5’8” height would weigh 90kg. A BMI 25, 5’8” person would weigh 75kg.

BMI isn’t a perfect measure but is still a useful, simple, and universally accepted benchmark. Excess weight has always been associated with medical risks, such as cardiac disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, joint issues, and stroke. Now, we can add Covid-19 to the list as well. However, while we recommended global lockdowns, mask mandates, and social distancing, we’ve not had the guts to publicly acknowledge what also needs to be done – people need to lose some weight to be safe from Covid-19.

We might say obesity is an American problem. Indians don’t have this issue to that magnitude. Sure, our population isn’t 42% obese (yet). In fact, we even have hunger and malnutrition in the poorer segments of the population. However, in the middle class and affluent population, there’s a growing obesity epidemic.

Bu hikaye The Times of India Delhi dergisinin March 13, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Times of India Delhi dergisinin March 13, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE TIMES OF INDIA DELHI DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?
The Times of India

Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?

From swooning over the twirling foot of Richarlison the other day, to fretting over the ankle of Neymar, it is back to business for Brazil. Gone is the exultation to dance and express themselves.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 28, 2022
Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134
The Times of India

Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134

American hospitality major Marriott International — the group with the largest number of branded hotel rooms in India at about 26,000 — has drawn up very ambitious growth plans for the country.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field
The Times of India

India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field

Take 20-year-old Shivam Negi for instance. A member of the national blind football team, Negi along with three other NIEVPD students is ardently following the matches by listening to live commentary.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc
The Times of India

SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc

‘MF Investments Reducing Disposable Incomes Of Indians’

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Fury's Ground Xiro
The Times of India

Fury's Ground Xiro

Xi's zero-Covid policy has angered ordinary Chinese as never before. A dangerous moment for the state

time-read
3 dak  |
November 28, 2022
Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye
The Times of India

Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye

The sportswear manufacturer has also launched a probe into his conduct.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance
The Times of India

Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance

Chinese protesters have turned to blank sheets of paper to express their anger over Covid-19 restrictions.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told
The Times of India

Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told

Dietary Habit Not Patient’s Fault: Consumer Body

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future
The Times of India

Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future

Union sports minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said Gujarat will host a “grand Olympics” sporting event in the future.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal
The Times of India

Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal

He also urged government employees in the state to back AAP while promising implementation of the old pension scheme for them by January 31, 2022.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022