After the first coronavirus infection-19 (Corona 19) outbreak in December 2019, as of February 2021, more than 100 million confirmed cases and more than 2.5 million deaths have occurred worldwide. In Korea, since the first patient outbreak in January 2020, more than 85,000 confirmed cases and more than 1,500 deaths have occurred, and our society is facing many difficulties due to this new pandemic. Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a’pandemic’ against Corona 19 on March 11, 2020, the world has been concentrating medical resources on the treatment and suppression of Corona 19.
‘Social distancing’ is one of the very important infection prevention measures to prevent the spread of Corona 19, and it is our society’s commitment and effort to minimize collective infection. However, the closure of sports facilities and restriction of exercise space due to’social distancing’ may cause and worsen obesity and metabolic syndrome, which are irregular lifestyle disorders including a decrease in physical activity, so care is required. Several cross-sectional studies conducted after the Corona 19 epidemic showed increased childhood obesity and adult obesity.
Accordingly, the following position is revealed on the situation of’social distancing’ caused by Corona 19.
First, it is necessary to maintain or increase the existing activity time without reducing the amount of physical activity. A sufficient amount of physical activity can break down accumulated fat, so it is effective not only in managing obesity, but also reducing the prevalence of obesity-related diseases, and helping to increase immunity against external viral infections. In the control of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, the positive effects of exercise and proper physical activity have been demonstrated in a number of studies. It is necessary to maintain an adequate amount of physical activity while complying with the quarantine rules.
Second, you need to eat regularly while maintaining an adequate amount of meals in a balanced diet. After the Corona 19 epidemic, there are many cases of intensive nutritional intake due to unfavorable eating habits, which can lead to an increase in calories, sugar, fat, and sodium intake, while the type of food used is rather limited. . In order to manage weight and maintain health, it is necessary to intake balanced nutrients in consideration of one’s physical activities, and to avoid eating excessively fatty foods, sweet foods, and salty foods, you should have a habit of eating a variety of foods evenly.
Third, people with chronic diseases should see a doctor regularly. Existing chronically ill patients have to visit medical institutions regularly to check their health status and receive medications, but they are classified as’high risk of Corona 19′ and postpone going out or visiting medical institutions. May be somewhat neglected. Chronic diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes are often referred to as’silent killer’ as they often have no symptoms at the beginning. In the era of the Corona 19 epidemic, if proper care and constant management are not provided, these chronic diseases can worsen, resulting in life-threatening complications such as cardiovascular disease. In particular, those who are eligible for national health checkups should not miss regular health checkups.
Fourth, it is necessary to comply with the COVID-19 quarantine rules. In the case of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, moreover, compared to the general population, people with chronic diseases are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection, and the disease progression may be worse. You have to take care of your own health.
In order to cope with infectious diseases around the world, we must comply with the quarantine rules and practice’social distancing’ well. In addition, maintaining good lifestyle habits and regularly checking health conditions to prevent and manage obesity and metabolic syndrome are also important health items during the corona19 pandemic that should not be overlooked. Several academic societies composed of experts in managing obesity and metabolic syndrome will continue to make efforts to protect the health and safety of our people in the future.
February 27, 2021
Korean Society of Obesity, Korean Endocrinology, Korean Diabetes Association, Korean Society of Obesity Metabolic Surgery, Korean Heart Association,
Korean Dietitian Association, Korean Community Nutrition Association, Korean Clinical Nutrition Association, Korean Society of Exercise Physiology,
Korean Society of Exercise and Nutrition, Korean Society of Lipid Arteriosclerosis (in alphabetical order)