The silver lining in all this covid mess – we will at some point take our lifestyle (food/exercise/mental) choices seriously. There are large externality cost due to poor lifestyle choice which as a cost on the world on a discounted basis (time value/impact is more near term) is larger than climate change and offer some co-benefits to climate change. UK looks to be stepping up action to reduce obesity in the country. Findings show obesity increases risk of death by 90%! – https://inews.co.uk/news/health/obesity-coronavirus-risk-death-public-health-england-report-562156

“Current evidence does not suggest that having excess weight increases people’s chances of contracting coronavirus, but people with the illness who are overweight are much more likely to be admitted into hospital and be critically ill in intensive care compared to those with a healthy body weight, with certain groups at higher risk.”

“For most adults, a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is a healthy weight, 25 to 29.9 is overweight, 30 to 39.9 is obese and above 40 is severely obese.

One study found that for people with a BMI of 35-40, risk of death from Covid-19 increases by 40 per cent and with a BMI over 40 by 90 per cent, compared to those who were a healthier weight. Other data found that in intensive care units 7.9 per cent of critically ill patients with Covid-19 had a BMI over 40 compared with 2.9 per cent of the general population.

The UK has some of the worst obesity rates in Europe: around two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, with people aged 55-74, those living in deprived areas and certain Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Groups more severely affected. Excess fat can affect the respiratory system and is likely to affect inflammatory and immune function. This can impact people’s response to infection and increase vulnerability to severe symptoms of Covid-19. People with obesity may be less likely to access health care and support and it is also thought that Covid-19 affects other diseases associated with obesity.”

“The report has been published ahead of next week’s anticipated announcement from Boris Johnson on the Government’s obesity policies, which could include a ban junk food adverts before the 9pm watershed and curbs on snack promotions.

“Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE: “The current evidence is clear that being overweight or obese puts you at greater risk of serious illness or death from Covid-19, as well as from many other life-threatening diseases.

“It can be hard to lose weight and even harder to sustain it, which is why people cannot easily do it on their own. Losing weight can bring huge benefits for health – and may also help protect against the health risks of Covid-19. The case for action on obesity has never been stronger.””

“…so many studies that point in the same direction is compelling and certainly suggests that now is an ideal time to combine Covid-19 responses with interventions to address overweight and obesity.”

Hopefully the US will follow suit and at least do what they can do reduce our consumption on process food and promote whole foods. It doesn’t have to be vegan to be whole – but a whole veganism should be considered a worthy option due to the multi-facet win it can create (health, ethics, climate). Though in general I don’t support prohibition of products one could tax process foods to represent some externality cost much like we do with cigarettes and alcohol – and much like cigarettes with continuous education and cost escalation we can make that change.

New comer into the top list South Africa 12.2K confirmation and 312 deaths – Looks like Mexico reporting was blank.

Texas leads the US death at 200

Unlike other states the population center is not leading the death count. We have the bordering counties of Texas to Mexico representing almost 50% of the death.

Unfortunately Harris County Hospital view does show deaths are rising. However the rate still hasn’t hit the previous high. ICU beds used for Covid has been declining. Certainly not an ideal place to be but at least not catastrophic as many projected.

South Africa has been climbing steadily in deaths…