Obesity does increase risk of death from Covid-19 but diets aren’t the answer, chief doc warns

BEING obese does increase the risk of death from Covid-19 but diets aren't the answer, one of Britain's top doctors has warned. 

Deputy chief scientific adviser Dame Angela McLean said studies showed that being obese was an "additional risk factor" for coronavirus patients in hospital in whether they needed intensive care or, ultimately, died.

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And she urged people who are significantly overweight to overhaul their lifestyles to help protect themselves from coronavirus, as well as other illness.

Speaking during tonight's Downing Street press conference, she said: "We have very fine evidence, actually, from rather beautiful studies, gathered from in patients in our hospitals with Covid-19 and those studies show that once you’re in hospital being obese is an additional risk factor for being admitted to an ICU or indeed for death.

"My understanding about the way to lose weight is that going on a diet isn't the way to do it.

"What you have to do is actually decide to completely change your lifestyle, you have to decide to do something that is going to be enduring, not just going on a diet.

"I understand that's a really difficult thing to do, but under all circumstances - pandemic or no pandemic - it's better not to be obese."

Being obese is an additional risk factor for being admitted to an ICU or indeed for death

Dame Angela McLeanDeputy chief scientific adviser

Just yesterday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed the Government has ordered a probe into how factors such as obesity can affect vulnerability to Covid-19.

Mr Hancock said that data had shown there could be a relationship between obesity and the impact of Covid-19 on individuals.

It comes after researchers at the University of Liverpool warned last week that obesity increased the risk of dying from the virus by 37 per cent.

Mr Hancock said: "Our knowledge about this virus grows daily and it appears some groups are more affected than others.

"Emerging data from around the world suggests there could possibly be a relationship between obesity and the impact of Covid-19 on individuals.

"It's too early to say if obesity in itself is a factor or conditions associated with it – or there is not enough data yet to rule it out – so we need to approach any assumptions with caution.

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"Every death from this virus is a tragedy and behind each statistic is a name, a loss and a family that will never be the same again."

And earlier today, The Sun revealed that obese Brits may have to work from home under a draft plan to lift Britain's coronavirus lockdown.

A leaked Government document showed that severely overweight people could be classified as vulnerable along with over-70s and pregnant women and forced to stay indoors.

Companies may have to find a new role for vulnerable people forced to work from home during the pandemic.

Around three in ten adults are clinically obese in England, one of the highest rates in the western world.

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Scientists believe obese patients are more at risk from Covid-19 as their immune systems are weaker.

Being overweight also increases the risk of underlying health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes - both thought to make people more susceptible to Covid-19.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will publish a “roadmap” strategy on Sunday, detailing exactly how restrictions will be eased in order for Brits to safely return to work.