How your weight could put you at the risk of developing flu
Respiratory infection is common in winters, and people of all age groups are equally prone to it. But the risk of severity and hospitalisation is rife in the case of those suffering from autoimmune conditions and obesity. Even people on the verge of obesity can develop severe flu in this season and the reason is the excessive fat stored in the body.
Fat storage in the body is not bad for health if it is in proportion. Too much of it can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to seasonal infections like flu.
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The risk of spreading the infection is also higher
Obese and overweight people not only develop severe symptoms but are also more likely to spread the infection to others who come in contact with them.
Viral infection is transmitted to other individuals when the infected person shed the pathogens while talking, sneezing or coughing. Even when they do not show any symptoms they may transfer the pathogens to others. This entire process is known as viral shedding. The rate of shedding is higher at the beginning of the viral infection.
A study suggests that obese people shed viruses for a longer time as compared to healthy individuals and in more numbers. That means those present around them are more prone to get infected.
What you should do to stay healthy
The only way to protect yourself is by taking some healthy measures. Taking precautions is even more important at this time when we have the lingering fear of COVID-19 infection, which might possibly get worse in the winter season. Here are some things you must do to stay healthy.
Follow healthy hygiene habits: Wash your hands with soap and water and use a tissue when coughing and sneezing. These are some basic hygiene habits that everyone must follow.
Eat healthily: It is crucial for obese and overweight people to lose extra fat and get fit to stay live a long disease-free life. Cut down on processed foods and include a more well-balanced diet in your daily routine.
Exercise: Try to stay physically active, either you do it by going to the gym or performing easy exercises at home. Include both cardio strength training workouts to burn fat.
Get flu shot: It is better to get the annual flu shot beforehand to cut down the risk of severe infection. It is necessary for all.
The bottom line
While we believe that one must feel comfortable in their skin and must not stress about getting lean, the harsh reality is that excessive body weight puts you at the risk of several chronic diseases. You must not try to shed kilos to look attractive or fit in your old clothes, you must do it to get healthy and live a long life. Getting healthy is not defined by reaching an ideal waist circumference or weight. It is about losing extra stored fat, managing your cholesterol, insulin, blood pressure and heart rate. If all these numbers are in order, then it does not matter what your waist size is. So, rather than setting a superficial target of dropping only kilos try to improve your overall health by eating well, exercising and following healthy lifestyle habits.