How does Covid-19 affect Obesity epidemic?

lemurcat2 wrote: »

NorthCascades wrote: »

lemurcat2 wrote: »

NorthCascades wrote: »

COGypsy wrote: »

Theoldguy1 wrote: »

COGypsy wrote: »

I'm one of those in an extremely small space. My condo is a one bedroom, just under 700 sq feet. If I push all the furniture in the living room as far back as it will go, I can fit a yoga mat in longways, but can't spread my arms fully out to the sides. I don't really know much about what's on YouTube, but I know that's not enough room for things I used to do in aerobics type classes back in the day. I thought this would be a good time to start C25K or something, but they're predicting 4-6" of snow tomorrow and Friday, so that option seems to have disappeared as well for the time being. Luckily, stress goes right to my stomach, so too many calories has not yet been a concern for me.

Don't know where you are but in most of the US 4-6 inches of snow this time of year will be gone fast. Do you have anything preventing you from walking if there is a bit of snow on the ground?

Good luck.

It mostly depends on whether people get their walks shoveled in a timely fashion. I live in an old neighborhood where most of the sidewalks are broken up and uneven from tree roots and stuff. If it’s snow covered and icy, it’s more treacherous than productive. It’s supposed to snow through Friday, so hopefully it will melt off quickly. I still hate doing it alone. It honestly doesn’t matter if I’m inside or out, it’s the deafening isolation that’s already getting to me.

Microspikes and Yaktrax are great in snow and ice.

The usual problem where I live with running on the sidewalks much of the winter is that you get a stretch of pavement followed by a stretch (or even just various patches) of ice followed by perhaps some snow (since people did a bad job shoveling) and so on. I have Yaktrax but haven't really used them since my understanding has been that they wouldn't be good on the pavement parts. Am I wrong? It's late enough in the year that I'm not worried about it (knock on wood), but that ice/pavement/ice/pavement type of condition is the main thing that keeps me from running outside more consistently in the winter.

I have Microspikes, I've worn them on hikes with snow and intermittent melted out rock. I've walked over plenty of bare ground with them because I'm lazy enough not to keep taking them on and off. It's not ideal, but it's workable. It'll eventually grind them down, but there's a lot of metal so it'll take a very long time. I haven't worn Yaktrax personally, I have a friend that likes hers, that's as much as I can really say.

I wouldn't want to run in them just because it's more weight on your feet. My friend does it. I was responding because it sounded like people think they can't even go out and walk if there's snow and ice.

Ah, thanks. I was hoping there was some magical solution to my specific problem that I just hadn't discovered yet, but I guess not.

The small carbide spikes or nail-head-like studs (stabilicers makes a version like this that is more secure for running, some other runners will screw nails into the bottom of an older pair of running sneakers) are less problematic on bare spots. I couldn't imagine trying to run on bare pavement with micro spikes (too huge). If your feet are large enough, you can try nanospikes (kahtoola)(they have the small carbide spikes). Or do trail running shoes (not as grippy, so would still want to watch for ice patches, but better than pavement shoes without issues on bare pavement). I've also done XC shoes with 1/8" spikes if bad out (but those need to be replaced extremely frequently). A few brands make some studded cold weather running shoes (ice bug is one), with some of them meant for road use (more likely to tolerate mixed conditions).

Hello. I hate the fact that gyms have closed down all over the world. I use the home workout app now to keep myself fit.

Anyway to answer the original question, I read today that a 43 year old COVID19 positive man with severe obesity died in Albania.

What worries me about COVID19 is not poor physical health per se. Like the original poster said, those who love being active will find ways to do it. I think it is the idea of being locked inside the house without knowing for how long and how this will affect us. Without any socialising, we could become indifferent. Boredom can force people to overeat or to make poor choices. This can negatively affect people's mental health.

SnifterPug wrote: »

I agree with the previous poster that mental health could be a big issue. I rely hugely on my gym for my mental wellbeing. Fortunately I know this, and have the space and financial resources to buy in some extra equipment for home. Nothing fancy but a few extra weights, bands and a TRX. Oh, and a pull up bar. So I can keep exercising and I am making myself do it. Motivation is a bit low, right now, but once I start I'm OK.

Obesity-wise - the following comment is meant to inject some levity, but judging by our current lack of food on the shelves the obesity crisis will be solved.

A lot of people store cans and cold cuts etc instead of fruits and vegetables because they are not perishable. I won't be surprised if a lot of people end up becoming more obese with added stress of zero workout and poor motivation.

janejellyroll wrote: »

ataleforthetimebeing wrote: »

SnifterPug wrote: »

I agree with the previous poster that mental health could be a big issue. I rely hugely on my gym for my mental wellbeing. Fortunately I know this, and have the space and financial resources to buy in some extra equipment for home. Nothing fancy but a few extra weights, bands and a TRX. Oh, and a pull up bar. So I can keep exercising and I am making myself do it. Motivation is a bit low, right now, but once I start I'm OK.

Obesity-wise - the following comment is meant to inject some levity, but judging by our current lack of food on the shelves the obesity crisis will be solved.

A lot of people store cans and cold cuts etc instead of fruits and vegetables because they are not perishable. I won't be surprised if a lot of people end up becoming more obese with added stress of zero workout and poor motivation.

Unless you're in an area where outdoor activity has literally been banned, doing zero activity during this period is a choice. Even for those indoors, there are still videos with indoor-appropriate routines that one can find online.

Same for people who are eating from cans right now -- I can make a calorie-appropriate meal from cans just like I can from fresh fruits and vegetables.

People who prioritized weight management before this still have the option to do that while at home. Yes, there are specific challenges, but nobody is being required to eat more than they need or sit on their couch all day.

I agree but I also know a whole lot of people who do not like to workout but do it for one of many reasons and I can definitely see using this period as an excuse to completely avoid any training.

janejellyroll wrote: »

ataleforthetimebeing wrote: »

janejellyroll wrote: »

ataleforthetimebeing wrote: »

SnifterPug wrote: »

I agree with the previous poster that mental health could be a big issue. I rely hugely on my gym for my mental wellbeing. Fortunately I know this, and have the space and financial resources to buy in some extra equipment for home. Nothing fancy but a few extra weights, bands and a TRX. Oh, and a pull up bar. So I can keep exercising and I am making myself do it. Motivation is a bit low, right now, but once I start I'm OK.

Obesity-wise - the following comment is meant to inject some levity, but judging by our current lack of food on the shelves the obesity crisis will be solved.

A lot of people store cans and cold cuts etc instead of fruits and vegetables because they are not perishable. I won't be surprised if a lot of people end up becoming more obese with added stress of zero workout and poor motivation.

Unless you're in an area where outdoor activity has literally been banned, doing zero activity during this period is a choice. Even for those indoors, there are still videos with indoor-appropriate routines that one can find online.

Same for people who are eating from cans right now -- I can make a calorie-appropriate meal from cans just like I can from fresh fruits and vegetables.

People who prioritized weight management before this still have the option to do that while at home. Yes, there are specific challenges, but nobody is being required to eat more than they need or sit on their couch all day.

I agree but I also know a whole lot of people who do not like to workout but do it for one of many reasons and I can definitely see using this period as an excuse to completely avoid any training.

I mean, people always find *excuses* not to work out.

Right, it's easy enough to do no matter what is going on.

People now are in different situations, but for me exercise seems more necessary than ever just for basic stress release and distracting oneself.

I really hate not being able to go the gym eiether. But I have been going on walks with my boyfriend until I get to 10,000 steps so I can reach my goal and I am still trying to eat healthy and log everyday so hopefully this doesn’t make us unhealthy or anything like that.

No question in time like these it is hard on mental health in general. While we can kind of understand I think it may be having a larger impact to the younger ones perhaps. Those of us who grew up without stuff to eat unless we grew it or raised it and no excess cash beyond the basic needs to survive the future may not be so hard to grasp. My concern is not for food but government stability in all nations for the sake of the kids so they have good food and environment and with better health care.

Contraction of the economy could lead to more focus on health prevention and actually help the Obesity epidemic longer term. That we are losing so many health care providers and others will be leaving because of the stress that is likely to be long term is not a happy thought. Most in health care today never thought their task could cost them their lives like is the case today.

Since things will not go back to the old NORMAL over night if ever due to the financial damage world wide only time will tell the effect on the world wide obesity epidemic of the pre COVID-19 era. The sun will rise tomorrow but the world has changed.

I've been working from home for 2+ years anyway. All of my exercise since I started in August has been outside walking/jogging. The occasional dumbbell workouts when I remembered to do it. And I'm a morning exercise person. I used to get the kids up and when my wife took them to school, I was running. Now I have to watch the clock to make sure I get out the door instead of a more relaxed morning.

We've had a few things in the house we normally don't have, like donuts for the kids to have for breakfast. Luckily, those aren't as tempting as they used to be. We made a sundae bar the other night, which I scheduled to be on the day that I ran 8 miles so I had calories to spare and then some. However, I'm still able to find plenty of produce and frozen vegetables and there are various things I like that the rest of the hoarding world seem to ignore like lentils and quinoa so that helps. It's also funny that people don't seem to realize that when the canned beans are gone in the rice and beans area, there are still plenty in the ethnic food aisle.

Since it was free, I signed up for Centr. I would eat most of the recipes. The family not so much. But the first workout I did today didn't kill me. Frog squats are a form of torture straight out of The Inquisition though.

I made some equipment. Kettlebell like weights out of old bleach bottles. Jump rope out of two old PC power cords and duct tape. I already had a variety of dumbbells collecting dust. I had a barbell I made from some bricks and a broom handle, but I needed the bricks for landscaping so looking for a replacement. I have a tree in the backyard that may be sacrificed to the exercise gods.

I've actually gotten extra cardio getting the kids outside in the afternoon. I'm doing C25K with my son and just trying to get my daughter to walk a mile without asking to be carried. I've discovered they're easier to motivate if I let them play Pokemon on the way home after the halfway point. And both of them are in much better moods after the exercise.

So, short story long, I think people who were already motivated to exercise and eat right will find a way. I think that people who went out or went to drive thru a lot will eat less of that, but will be eating a lot of microwaved frozen garbage because they don't know how to do anything else.

I think it depends on the person, as you said. If someone thinks they absolutely must use a gym to exercise, then yes it's going to create issues. I run. I don't own a treadmill. I own nothing other than two sets of dumbbells and a stationary bike as far as exercise equipment goes. I agree with you that some will find a way while others will make excuses, such pertains to all things in life. I use my dumbbells, do planks, and run outside. Basketball is great. I've seen both sides of the spectrum where people are pushing on and through with exercising to the opposite where it's believed that nothing can be done. There are so many ways to stay active now with millions of exercise videos to do and you don't even need equipment!!! Some people are cleaning and scouring their houses, great exercise just being active. There is so much to be done... I will not give this power over me and use it as a reason or excuse to gain weight. To each their own, though... No judgement here.

I'm still getting 15k+ steps in despite only going out once a day (well, technically twice as I have to swap dogs but shh don't tell anyone). I've been keeping myself busy at home as is kind of the norm for me. I've been gardening, doing house work and maintenance/DIY, and working through C25K every other day on the treadmill I bought just before movement restrictions came in here. It only cost £70 which is what I'd have spent on my swimming membership over 3 months anyway.

I suppose it depends on the person and their means/desires really. A lot of folks who wouldn't normally take a walk for the hell of it are now doing so. People might be cooking better meals at home than they'd normally eat. I think only time will tell really.

Over 10 years of working out, I've gained online friends that are really fit, some of the fittest people in the US and in the world, quite frankly. Most of them are using the time at home to train and get more fit. I used to be a stress eater. I'm not any more. My relationship with food changed years ago. I'm just an old dude trying to stay as fit as I can now (my performance days might be behind me at 55 and some back issues), but I'm at my lowest Body fat and weight in some time (187 or so, around 17 percent BF).

I think if you're newer to eating healthy and working out, you're going to regress some. If this is not new to you, you'll know how to handle it.

The unfortunate thing is obesity is one of the preexisting conditions that can dramatically increase chances of death from COVID-19. Though they haven't scientifically proven it, you can see it in the stories of those that have passed that it's pretty clear most aren't in great shape or are older. There are exceptions and everyone is at risk (so social distance, for sure), but the combination concerns me.