During these last four months being asked to stay at home, have you put on extra weight? For myself, I would have to say yes. And then for those of you who were used to going to the gym, well we know about that. One of the most popular foods I understand is freshly baked bread. In fact, it is difficult to find baker’s yeast and flour at times when we venture out. So if getting on the scale these days is pretty scary, you are not alone!

We actually have two health crises going here ~ coronavirus and obesity. From COVID-19 risk to recovery, the odds are stacked against those with obesity, and a new study led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill raises concerns about the impact of obesity on the effectiveness of a future COVID-19 vaccine.

The statistics are scary – Researchers, in examining the available published literature on individuals infected with the virus found that those with obesity (BMI over 30) were at a greatly increased risk for hospitalization (113%), more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (74%), and had a higher risk of death (48% from the virus. Because obesity is already associated with numerous underlying risk factors for COVID-19, including hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney and liver disease, it has created a perfect storm.

“All of these factor can influence immune cell metabolism, which determines how bodies respond to pathogens, like the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus,” says co-author Melinda Beck, professor of nutrition at Gillings School of Global Public Health. “Individuals with obesity are also more likely to experience physical ailments that make fighting this disease harder, such as sleep apnea, which increases pulmonary hypertension, or a body mass index that increases difficulties in a hospital setting with intubation.”

A recent article in USA Today (8/20/20) revealed that almost three-quarters of the population in Mexico is overweight, according to a study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. With COVID-19 cases mounting and death tolls soar, Mexico trails only Brazil and the USA in pandemic fatalities. Poor nutrition habits have been blamed, primarily due to the amount of soda consumed ~potable water is scant and soda is often sold for less than water. In fact, small merchants depend on soda for 25% of their sales, according to a grade alliance in Mexico. A survey by El Poder del Consumidor found 70% of children consumed soda for breakfast; another 70% of children reported drinking sodas at least three times the previous day. Beverage companies are among Mexico’s biggest advertisers and political lobbies.

Sugar-sweetened beverages or sugary drinks are leading sources of added sugars in the American diet. To learn more how sugar actually helps us age faster go here. One of the ways we have eliminated sodas in our home has been to purchase selzters and squeeze in a little lemon or lime juice. It is very refreshing and is without sugar but gives that carbonated taste so many of us like.

Another suggestion to help address weight gain is to consider using shakes as a meal replacement, particularly one that has enough leucine-enriched protein to help retain muscle mass but lose the fat. I have used this particular shake and found great results. Clinically proven to help retain lean muscle as well as to support healthy blood pressure and healthy blood sugar levels, this Life Shake includes 23 essential vitamins and minerals, 20 grams of delicious protein with zero added sugar, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, kosher, keto-friendly and is low glycemic. I have found myself feeling healthier, more energized, and more focused since taking it, besides losing those extra pounds.

Washing our hands often, socially distancing, using hand sanitizer when touching something others have touched, and staying away as much as possible from crowds can all work towards keeping us safe. I also include a special supplement each day (besides a Multi-Vitamin, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin C) that increases interferon at the cellular level. (Scientists and medical communities have identified interferon as being crucial to healthy immune function). It is the only dietary supplement in the United States created by the discoverer of interferon, world-renowned immunologist Dr. Yasuhiko Kojima, who spent decades screening hundreds of botanicals to identify natural interferon boosters. Go here for more information about this amazing supplement.

For more information about getting to the weight you want and learn more about not becoming that “perfect storm” go here to read my e-book, 7 Big Secrets to Losing Weight.

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