ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

Welcome to the second weekly digest of stories about COVID-19, obesity and related challenges from across the globe.

We will be compiling stories from credible sources representing all regions of the world, including academic articles, position statements and mainstream news, amongst others. 

If you have signed up to our newsletter, we will be sending this digest to your inbox every Monday during the current pandemic. If you have any stories from your country or discipline, please send through to us at eneeds@worldobesity.org.

NEWS

• • Presenting results of a scientific review into the correlation between severe disease from Covid-19 and obesity, this article examines the most important preliminary studies, explains possible mechanisms for how the virus impacts people living with excess weight differently, and describes areas for further research.
• • A new study by the University of Glasgow scientists adds to the growing body of research suggesting excess weight could be among the biggest risk factors for COVID-19.
• • This is a video and transcript of several respected health care professionals discussing the prevalence of weight gain during lockdown, its effects on metabolic health, and ways to reduce risk.
• • Lockdowns to stop the spread of Covid-19 have heavily damaged the agricultural industry. Experts, concerned about the long-term food supply in Southeast Asia, held a webinar to discuss collaboration with governments and NGOs, supporting small-scale agricultural workers, and maintaining adequate supplies of rice to ensure equitable access.
• • Preliminary data has found that some populations are more likely to develop severe disease from Covid-19 than others, so the UK government has launched a review of medical records.
• • This is an interview with Professor Peter Jackson of the Institute for Sustainable Food at the University of Sheffield. He advocates for using the coronavirus pandemic to overhaul the current European food supply change, reducing environmental impact, food processing, and food waste through governmental action.
• • This article suggests that people living with obesity are much more at risk for severe illness and hospitalisation from Covid-19. 

OPINION

• • After lockdown ends, the European union will have an unprecedented opportunity to “jointly address the current health crisis, the economic crisis the pandemic has triggered, and the ongoing climate crisis.” Some new policies related to obesity prevention include creating pedestrian- and cyclist-only streets and proposed investment in renewable energy in the agriculture sector.
• • As Scotland prepares to relax lockdown procedures, they have considered asking vulnerable groups to continue to isolate. However determining who belongs in these groups is controversial, especially for the elderly and those living with overweight and obesity.
• • This article discusses the attitudes towards and controversies surrounding weight loss in the body-positivity movement. Several people were interviewed and shared their experiences. 
• • A UK government official announced at a press conference that obesity is linked to fatalities and hospitalisations from coronavirus and encouraged the public to make lifestyle changes. 

RELEASE

• ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø statements on COVID-19 & Obesity. 
  • World Obesity have released a number of statements from our various teams on the implications of COVID-19, our operations, as well as guidance to those living with obesity and advice to governments and local bodies in dealing with COVID-19.

Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.