Most Americans have been isolated in their homes for the last month. This has led to a variety of problems:
- Loneliness
- Stress
- Depression
- Day drinking
- Over-eating and weight gain
- Financial worries
And then there’s the “Quarantine 15” referring to weight gain during the stay-at-home period. People all over the world have turned to comfort food in this stressful time. While that’s understandable, it’s not healthy.
And it can be dangerous, since being overweight (and the other health issues that come with it) can put one at higher risk for severe complications from the COVID-19 virus.
In a recent study of 1000 Americans, approximately 40 percent said they had reduced their concentration on weight loss since the pandemic began. 20 percent are snacking or “grazing” more since the start of the pandemic.
In combination with added stress over the future and job security, this can be especially problematic for those who are overweight and have relaxed their weight loss goals.
While many people experience mild illness, the data on the spectrum of symptoms caused by COVID-19, shows clearly that people with chronic health conditions are being hit harder. 89 percent of people with COVID-19 who were sick enough to be hospitalized had at least one chronic condition. About half had high blood pressure and obesity, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
So just as your patients are venturing back out into the world, if they have not been sticking to their nutrition plan, they could be more at risk than they were before the lockdown.
Nutrition Coaching is a vital service you can offer your patients right now. Help them to recognize the risks of poor nutrition and give them the tools to stay on track and keep their family safe and healthy.
