Obesity plays a critical role in how high the risk is of getting the novel coronavirus. Reading about obese COVID-19 risks on the news made a mother from the U.K. take the necessary steps to reach a healthier weight.
Emma Forrest-Leigh started at 252 lbs. pre-pandemic. Due to the coronavirus cases in the U.K., lockdowns became inevitable. She started working from home, which allowed her to work out.
The 46-year-old mom revealed that she would constantly scare her system with government updates on the virus and how obesity can increase the risk of getting an infection. It took her 6 months to shed 126 lbs., Yahoo News recently reported.
The Lincolnshire-based mom was praised for dropping down to a trim-size 10 from a U.K. size 22. She revealed that nothing else could make her stick to her fitness journey other than the fears of dying due to coronavirus because of obesity.
How Losing Weight Improved Her Parenting
Forrest-Leigh revealed that her healthy lifestyle choices had impacted her children — ages 5 and 10. She would teach them how to cook healthy meals and go on long walks. It was more than a personal achievement as the mom-of-two learned to set a good example for her children as well.
Struggles on losing weight
A jeweler by profession, Forrest-Leight revealed that being in her 40s made her realize she needed to sort her health. Her husband had a stroke, which also motivated her to lose weight. For a long time, she struggled to lose any more than a few pounds as she often had snacks in her bag.
Now, she does her best to keep her plate full of healthy vegetables. She also cut meat and chips from her daily meals. While she does admit that it is a struggle to lose weight while working from home next to the fridge, watching the news about obesity during the pandemic made her realize why she was losing weight in the first place.
Biking for mental health
Forrest-Leigh bikes and walks as often as she can. These two activities make her as fit as possible. She also revealed how exercising helped her relax and have good mental health. No overthinking, just taking walks and riding a bike.
Weight is a Factor of Increased Risk in COVID-19
Regardless of age, obesity causes people to get hospitalized due to COVID-19. There are also increased complications and death among obese people.
The American Heart Association Virtual Scientific Sessions revealed its findings on a cross-study of the global pandemic and the national epidemic that is obesity.
With over 42 percent of U.S. adults affected by obesity, it remains vital to reduce this number so that they can enjoy their lives.
Those who struggle with severe obesity having a BMI of 40 and over are at twice the risk of coronavirus infection, ventilator use, and death.
