As more people wear the badge, “I am vaccinated,” many tend to feel comforted that the fight against COVID-19 is about over. I hope so, but I am not so confident. Why? Because the vaccine is (albeit necessary) only treating a syndrome to a much bigger health concern. Increasing evidence is pointing to obesity being the more dangerous pandemic—the pandemic we are less inclined to talk about. Not only is it a key factor in the severity of symptoms and death due to the coronavirus, but it is also central to type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, as well as other medical conditions. In addition, it is known that obesity decreases the efficacy of vaccinations (including the COVID-19 vaccines?). While COVID-19 warrants immediate concern, obesity warrants attention.
As I sit waiting to hear that my University is going to follow other Oregon schools and require vaccination for Fall term, I can’t help but ask: “Why, if we can be required to be vaccinated, can’t we require faculty to reduce body fat and be more active?” After all, this would have much broader and effective impact on the health and well-being of the campus. Of course, we can’t ask this of someone (or can we??), but the message has to get out that reducing body fat will decrease hospitalizations and medical expenses.
Obesity is a global issue1. We can’t ignore it any longer. Sadly, it does impact some populations more than others, and some lack the necessary resources to make healthy changes. According to Popkin et al.1,
“The COVID-19 pandemic challenges all countries enormously. Our systems, institutions, health and welfare will feel the impacts for many years. The high prevalence of individuals with obesity exacerbates the threat to everyone’s health, and the economic, social distancing and stay-at-home components compound the impacts. We will need creative solutions quickly to prevent undesirable dietary patterns and promote healthy eating, which is so critical to our future health and for building resilience against future threats.”
It is a community issue. It affects all of us. It warrants global attention. It is the fight that we have before us.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!
1 Popkin, B.M., Du, S., Green, W.D., Beck, M.A., Algaith, T., et al. (2020) Individuals with obesity and COVID-19: A global perspective on the epidemiology and biological relationships. Obesity Reviews, 21:e13128. doi: 10.1111/obr.13128