Coronavirus and Obesity

glp2323

There’s been a lot of scary reports the past couple months linking morbid obesity (40+ BMI) with poor outcomes / more severe cases of coronavirus.

As someone who is extremely morbidly obese it has helped motivate me to lose weight. However, it’s still scary and stress inducing for me. It causes me a lot of anxiety and fear about getting COVID.

Since it seems, the media reports a lot of bad news I was wondering if anyone here has experienced coronavirus as an obese person?

It would help me and maybe others to know that even obese people can and do survive this terrible disease.

Thank you.

zen_kaylor

I feel like the inability to recover from any condition can be attributed to morbid obesity. The excess weight is a strain on the body. Plus obesity usually presents with comorbidities which compound the ability to fight infections. I guess what I’m saying is if you take the proper safety precautions I truly think you’ll be okay. Stress is a factor for creating a lower immunity, so please don’t freak out either. Try to remain calm, and just make healthy, educated choices. And FYI I HATE BMI. I’m 5’10” 220lbs, BMI of 31 which is considered moderately obese. I wear a size 10-12. I have an hourglass figure, 38-29-37. Please don’t put too much stock into that.

NovusDies

No one can tell you if you would have a worse case of corona based on how much you weigh. It is not that cut and dry. You may have already had it and never developed symptoms.

What is definitely unhealthy is watching the news too much if it stresses you. I don't watch it that much myself because I hate the fear format. I know that is how they keep people tuned in and ultimately how they make money but I can't deal with it.

It is better, imo, to focus on the positives of weight loss that will start to happen shortly after you start losing. The bigger I got the smaller my world became. As the weight started coming off and I got smaller my world kept getting larger. It is amazing.

glp2323

Thanks for the replies. Tough to stay positive and upbeat these days. Definitely need to avoid the news more.

I hear you about your world shrinking when you gain weight. My world is mostly my bedroom now. I used to enjoy so much more when I was healthier. I hope I can get back there.

ms_maruska

As far as I know, obesity is indeed linked with development of more difficult symptoms. I sometimes worry about it too. But "is linked" does not equal "it happens to all obese people". There is a higher risk than being average weight but obesity is not the only factor playing a role here. You may also contract the virus and have flu-like symptoms.

I do the following as a precaution - staying on track to losing weight, exercise (helps with my anxiety), wear a mask outside (just in case), physically distance myself from others as much as I can (a few feet), wash my hands with soap for 20 seconds and don't touch my face (eyes, nose, mouth).

Also, I avoid taking for granted anything that is placed in the media. The media aims for sensationalism and fear. It's not reality, it's a portrayal of reality which needs to sell. Since I began reading less news, I see that I'm mentally more stable.

KNoceros

I am a UK based Anaesthetist. During the peak of the first wave I got redeployed to Intensive Care (we spend about 1/3 of our training time in ICU so it’s not that big a shift).
Pretty much everyone we ventilated was at least overweight, or bigger BUT that is true for the general population too. (More than 2/3 now overweight or larger).

I don’t recall outcomes in our unit being markedly different by size, but the sample probably wasn’t big enough to be meaningful in statistical terms.

glp2323

Thanks for the insight.

Has anyone here had coronavirus? What was your experience like with it?

katyjcrafts

I was watching a programme last night with Dr Michael Mosley who wrote the 5:2 diet. He had 5 people who were all in the obese category and was going to see if they could shift a stone in 3 weeks eating 800 cals a day. He kept stressing about it being worse if u overweight and get coronavirus but one thing I did notice was that at no time either inside or out did anyone wear a face mask. That includes the two doctors doing the study. Obviously any condition is worse if you are overweight but sometimes we have to weigh up the risks taking everything into account as I think weight is only part of it

springlering62

I did a “socially distanced” event with my small ladies group last night. It’s the first social thing I’ve done since March (unless you count the gym and yoga studio, which are in “wipe and avoid one another” mode).

I was surprised to see that most had put on noticeable amounts of weight. They were also talking about how chunky their grandkids have become since Covid.

This is all going to have such long lasting effects. I don’t think we can even fathom the ripples yet.

Theoldguy1

springlering62 wrote: »

I did a “socially distanced” event with my small ladies group last night. It’s the first social thing I’ve done since March (unless you count the gym and yoga studio, which are in “wipe and avoid one another” mode).

I was surprised to see that most had put on noticeable amounts of weight. They were also talking about how chunky their grandkids have become since Covid.

This is all going to have such long lasting effects. I don’t think we can even fathom the ripples yet.

The chunky grandkids issue is on the parents. I WFH and my office window faces the street. The neighborhood kids have been out being active all through this. Talking to the dad he said they put the kids on a schedule for school, movement, screen time, etc.

It was amazing to see all the active stuff the kids were coming up with.

kshama2001

Theoldguy1 wrote: »

springlering62 wrote: »

I did a “socially distanced” event with my small ladies group last night. It’s the first social thing I’ve done since March (unless you count the gym and yoga studio, which are in “wipe and avoid one another” mode).

I was surprised to see that most had put on noticeable amounts of weight. They were also talking about how chunky their grandkids have become since Covid.

This is all going to have such long lasting effects. I don’t think we can even fathom the ripples yet.

The chunky grandkids issue is on the parents. I WFH and my office window faces the street. The neighborhood kids have been out being active all through this. Talking to the dad he said they put the kids on a schedule for school, movement, screen time, etc.

It was amazing to see all the active stuff the kids were coming up with.

Ya, the two families on my street with boys bought basketball hoops. One was outside close to midnight the other night until his mother came out and yelled at him, lol.

kshama2001

glp2323 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. Tough to stay positive and upbeat these days. Definitely need to avoid the news more.

I hear you about your world shrinking when you gain weight. My world is mostly my bedroom now. I used to enjoy so much more when I was healthier. I hope I can get back there.

I find "My 600 Pound Life" inspirational.

I'm struggling to avoid the news, as I am unemployed and need to know what's going to happen with the Federal unemployment bonus so I can plan. But the more news I consume, the more my mental health suffers.

On the plus side, there should be more resources available to you these days with tele-health having become big. I just started see a psychologist remotely this week, and have been working with a dietitian.

NovusDies

When you get to be as heavy as I did there is only risks. If I had been in a car crash I was at a higher risk. Certainly any surgery would be higher risk. Any recovery from surgery would be longer and more arduous for me than someone who weighed less. Add to that the normal killers like diabetes, high blood pressure, and strokes. I was not even moving enough to qualify for sedentary TDEE.

During all that my wife would get sick a couple of times a year. When she gave it to me I would most often just get a little body ache and that was it. She would be miserable sick and I was mostly unaffected.

While I was on the ground floor of other health problem like heart disease that would have progressed quickly in the state I was in, my health never got scary bad. My joints are probably my biggest issue at the moment.

I have heard it said that genetics accounts for about 30 percent of our health. I have certainly seen quite fit people with crippling health problems they inherited. This is why it is not cut and dry though. Obesity places people in higher risks but there are other factors like much you carry, how long you have carried it, and, of course, your genes. As far as I know genes will not protect joints from the added wear.

The interesting thing for me is that while I was large I wasn't as worried as I should have been about my very diminished quality of life. I was in denial about some which I assume was a self-defense mechanism to keep me from getting horribly depressed. The parts I was aware of I let go of because of my many defeats trying to lose weight.

I had to lose more than 250 pounds to leave the obesity classification and get to 'overweight' which is where I am now. I was mostly there at my second year weightlossaversery. If I recall correctly I missed it by .4 pounds. So for all that time I was in a higher risk BUT my life started improving after I lost 5 percent of my weight. It was small NSVs at first but as the percentage grew so did my freedom and quality of life. The more I got back the more determined I became to get more. It made it mentally easier. Around the 80 pounds lost mark I realized there was no stopping. There was a lifeline pulling me forward. I helped that lifeline by being kind to myself and trying to prioritize happiness each day along the way. It didn't always work. I had some miserable days but those were few.

One of the problems I had was that I stopped being able to imagine a better life. I was so defeated that I didn't allow myself to do it anymore because I assumed I would always be disappointed. After a time I lost it. What was an ordinary existence for some became too extraordinary for me to imagine anymore. There is a better life for you and if you are losing weight the layers are already starting to peel back.

If you have seen it there is a Peanuts scene where Snoopy keeps running into signs that say "No Dogs Allowed." My life, especially when I traveled was a montage of weight and size limits. Now none of them apply to me. I can ride roller coasters and do zip lines. I can hike and kayak. I can comfortably walk 5 miles and increasingly less comfortably walk 8 miles. As I have time I can now do physical volunteer work again AND be among the hardest workers. When my family needs me I am able to actually contribute more than money and supportive words. For a long time I woke up everyday and it felt like Christmas morning because my life was once again an amazing gift.

This is why I started my Larger Losers group. I wanted to help others achieve this very achievable miracle. If you have 75 or more pounds to lose or started with that much or more you are welcome to join. It is for people who wish to lose their weight in a sensible and sustainable fashion. The link:

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/133315-larger-losers


If you don't want to come by please keep losing. Don't stop for any reason. If what you are doing is not sustainable then you need to adapt to something else. If you have a bad day and eat way too much food just wake up the next day and keep going. The weak moments matter so much less than we believe they do. I had plenty, trust me.

HeidiCooksSupper

I'm a morbidly obese, 69-year-old with type II diabetes. I don't want Covid because it's a horrible disease and my stats mean I have increased risk of dire outcomes like death. So, what do I do? I wear a mask over both my mouth and nose whenever I leave the apartment. I wash my hands with soap and water. I practice social distancing and keep my contact with other people to a minimum.

Other things I'm doing to improve my longevity need doing with or without a pandemic going on. I'm limiting my caloric intake and exercising both of which mean I am losing weight and gaining strength. Finally, I am practicing the only thing that research correlates with longevity past 100: flexibility and a cheerful outlook. In other words, go with the flow and think of the glass as half full. Don't sweat change and keep a smile on your face.

If watching too much news is too depressing, just watch enough to be well informed and then turn to something more uplifting. We watch a lot of animal shows. Do what you need to do to keep yourself on an even keel. Read something that helps you escape. Take up a new hobby. Remember, you get to choose how to feel about things.

brittneyalley

kshama2001 wrote: »

glp2323 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. Tough to stay positive and upbeat these days. Definitely need to avoid the news more.

I hear you about your world shrinking when you gain weight. My world is mostly my bedroom now. I used to enjoy so much more when I was healthier. I hope I can get back there.

I find "My 600 Pound Life" inspirational.

I'm struggling to avoid the news, as I am unemployed and need to know what's going to happen with the Federal unemployment bonus so I can plan. But the more news I consume, the more my mental health suffers.

On the plus side, there should be more resources available to you these days with tele-health having become big. I just started see a psychologist remotely this week, and have been working with a dietitian.

I watch Meet Kevin on youtube, and he does daily stimulus and unemployment updates. Very helpful and he isn’t biased (doesn’t say if he’s left or right, just gives facts from both sides). I appreciate his updates so I don’t have to watch the news anymore. Check him out! It’ll help your stress I’m sure

MelanieCN77

katyjcrafts wrote: »

I was watching a programme last night with Dr Michael Mosley who wrote the 5:2 diet. He had 5 people who were all in the obese category and was going to see if they could shift a stone in 3 weeks eating 800 cals a day. He kept stressing about it being worse if u overweight and get coronavirus but one thing I did notice was that at no time either inside or out did anyone wear a face mask. That includes the two doctors doing the study. Obviously any condition is worse if you are overweight but sometimes we have to weigh up the risks taking everything into account as I think weight is only part of it

No surprise that a person advocating a horrible calorie plan like that has other gaps and deficiencies in understanding; they are not to be listened to about anything.

springlering62

I’d like some kind of golden ticket so that once in a while I can check all the boxes: insightful/inspiring/like/hug.

I would use it judiciously, reserving it for posts like @NovusDies

southernskeeter

I am morbidly obese (5'2" and currently 328 lbs) I had corona. I tested positive on 6/23/20, at the time I had a cough, runny nose, and horrible upset stomach and no appetite, i could smell the food but it made me nauseous. I stayed home as instructed and within 4 days of testing positive my cold symptoms were gone. still had upset stomach. I had a heart attack with cardiac arrest on 7/5/20 ( not covid related). was re tested on 7/6 and was still positive. Upon leaving the hospital on 7/11 i had no symptoms of covid nor had in while in hospital. i tested again on 7/30 and was told 8/5 i was finally negative. YAY!!!. I only had the cold symptoms at the very beginning for less than a week. no trouble breathing or anything like that. just a cough and runny nose. SO being morbidly obese did not impact my covid sickness. Cant say it slowed down testing negative as my hubby was also positive and took just as long to get a negative result. They said sometimes cells from it just linger.

glp2323

southernskeeter wrote: »

I am morbidly obese (5'2" and currently 328 lbs) I had corona. I tested positive on 6/23/20, at the time I had a cough, runny nose, and horrible upset stomach and no appetite, i could smell the food but it made me nauseous. I stayed home as instructed and within 4 days of testing positive my cold symptoms were gone. still had upset stomach. I had a heart attack with cardiac arrest on 7/5/20 ( not covid related). was re tested on 7/6 and was still positive. Upon leaving the hospital on 7/11 i had no symptoms of covid nor had in while in hospital. i tested again on 7/30 and was told 8/5 i was finally negative. YAY!!!. I only had the cold symptoms at the very beginning for less than a week. no trouble breathing or anything like that. just a cough and runny nose. SO being morbidly obese did not impact my covid sickness. Cant say it slowed down testing negative as my hubby was also positive and took just as long to get a negative result. They said sometimes cells from it just linger.

Thanks for sharing. Glad you are feeling better!

kshama2001

brittneyalley wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

glp2323 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. Tough to stay positive and upbeat these days. Definitely need to avoid the news more.

I hear you about your world shrinking when you gain weight. My world is mostly my bedroom now. I used to enjoy so much more when I was healthier. I hope I can get back there.

I find "My 600 Pound Life" inspirational.

I'm struggling to avoid the news, as I am unemployed and need to know what's going to happen with the Federal unemployment bonus so I can plan. But the more news I consume, the more my mental health suffers.

On the plus side, there should be more resources available to you these days with tele-health having become big. I just started see a psychologist remotely this week, and have been working with a dietitian.

I watch Meet Kevin on youtube, and he does daily stimulus and unemployment updates. Very helpful and he isn’t biased (doesn’t say if he’s left or right, just gives facts from both sides). I appreciate his updates so I don’t have to watch the news anymore. Check him out! It’ll help your stress I’m sure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH97ri6Xyuo

"In reality, all four are just playing WOW together."

glp2323

Scary times for many of us as COVID rages. Any stories of recovery or beating COVID as an overweight person? Need some hope!

amart4224

I haven't had COVID but my cousin's husband, who is morbidly obese, had it last month and has made a full recovery. He did have a severe case, getting pneumonia on top of it and spending a couple of days in the hospital, but apparently they gave him blood from people who had already recovered and that helped him greatly.