UK’s Obese Residents May Be Told To Stay Home Even When Lockdown Is Lifted

Leaked government documents that UK news outlet Sun was able to obtain showed a plan about forcing obese Britons to stay home after the lockdown ends. According to the documents, the obese are considered as among the “vulnerable” that may suffer severe complications if infected by the coronavirus.

Clinically Obese

The UK news outlet reveals that more than 30% of adults in England are considered clinically obese. Official records show that England is among the highest in the Western world in terms of obesity problems.

According to a report by the Sun, they will be told, along with those above 70 years old and pregnant women, to stay home even after the general lockdown ends. The report also said that this strict rule might be enforced until the end of this year or for one year. It was also suggested that companies may have to look for new roles for these workers asked to stay home.

Obesity And Illness

Health Secretary Matt Hancock discussed Monday the likely relationship between obesity and suffering severe complications if infected by COVID-19. The Sun, in its report, quoted Secretary Hancock as saying there is emerging data from all over the world suggesting there is a relationship between obesity and severe COVID-19 complications.

Health experts believe that obese patients are at higher risk from COVID-19 because their immune systems are weaker. Being overweight also increases the risk of many underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. These underlying health conditions are among those listed as more vulnerable to suffering from severe complications brought about by COVID-19 infection.

Gaining More Knowledge About COVID-19

Secretary Hancock also said that the scientific community’s knowledge about coronavirus grows daily, and it is starting to show that some sectors are more affected compared to others. “It’s too early to say if obesity in itself is a factor or conditions associated with it — or there is not enough data yet to rule it out — so we need to approach any assumptions with caution,” he said.

The health secretary also said that every death caused by coronavirus is a tragedy in itself, and behind each of those statistics is a name and a loss. He said families will never be the same again because of the coronavirus pandemic.