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Obesity May Be Linked With Covid-19 Disease Severity: What You Can Do About It

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The Irish Heart Foundation has recently called upon the government to address the growing concern of obesity in Ireland. According to healthcare professionals from the Health Service Executive (HSE), emerging evidence suggests that obesity may significantly contribute to the severity of Covid-19 symptoms.

Staggering Numbers: What the Data Says

A concerning 23% of adults in Ireland are categorized as obese, according to recent statistics from HSE. This has led to calls for the Irish government to emulate some of the United Kingdom’s proactive health measures. These include:

  • Displaying calorie counts on restaurant menus
  • Banning ‘buy one get one free deals on unhealthy food items
  • Limiting TV advertisements for junk food to after 9 pm

Pushing for More: What Advocates Want

The Irish Heart Foundation advocates for even more stringent measures, such as:

  • Mandatory reformulation of unhealthy food and beverages
  • Extending the sugar tax to confectionery goods as well

Given the potential link between obesity and Covid-19 severity, these measures could be life-saving.

Individual Actions: The Power of Cardio

According to the Irish Heart Foundation, one of the best ways to protect yourself is to engage in regular cardio or aerobic exercise. Activities that raise and sustain your heart rate — like aerobics, running, Zumba, dance fitness, tennis, or hiking—can significantly affect cardiovascular health.

Though yoga and Pilates offer numerous health benefits, they don’t provide the type of cardiovascular exercise essential for improving heart health.

Your Plate, Your Choice

In addition to physical exercise, it’s crucial to consider diet. A balanced, nutritious diet and reduced sugar intake can also be immensely beneficial in maintaining a healthy heart.

Take the Next Step

If you want to boost your heart health while enjoying a fun, engaging activity, consider signing up for our online dance fitness classes.

For a limited time, we’re offering a 14-day free trial.

About the Author

Your go-to expert for a balanced, happy life filled with dance and good nutrition. As a licensed Zumba® instructor, certified nutritionist, and co-founder of Dance and Health, Lily’s mission is to make well-being simple and accessible for everyone.

Remember the struggles of maintaining a healthy weight, navigating diet fads, or even dealing with bullying in your teen years? Lily’s been there too. That’s why she gets it — health is a journey filled with ups and downs.

Gone are the days of harmful diets and self-doubt for Lily. She’s devoted her life to transforming not just herself but others, too. Nutrition isn’t just about calories for her. It’s about empowerment and self-love. And speaking of love, have you tried a dance fitness class yet? Lily swears by it as a way to joyfully boost both your physical and mental well-being.

Why settle for just getting by when you could be thriving? With Lily’s guidance, step into a life where wellness isn’t a chore but a fulfilling adventure.