In Malaysia, the prevalence of diabesity (diabetes and obesity) has increased exponentially:
| 2015 | 2019 | |
| Diabetes | 13.4% | 18.3% |
| Prediabetes | 8.8% | 23.6% |
| Overweight/ Obesity (BMI>25) | 47.7% | 50.1% |
Those with diabesity represent extra vulnerable group during this pandemic. They are more likely to develop serious complications when they get infected.
According to the preliminary mortality report from the Malaysia Health Ministry, out of 121 Covid 19 deaths (as of 6 July 2020), almost 60% have diabetes.
The Covid 19 Pandemic has changed the world. Until today, we can still see the number of cases keep increasing at many countries. The pandemic is far from over, we need to learn how to protect ourselves. Being aware of what you eat and chose fresh, healthy food and put in the additional effort to exercise indoors.
In fact, before this pandemic, 25 percent of Malaysian adults were reported to be physically inactive and 95 percent of them do not consume five servings of fruits or vegetables. Overweight or obese people are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and stroke. There is also strong evidence showing that people who are overweight/ obese may have poorer outcomes once they are infected with Covid-19. This is due to excess fat can affect the respiratory system and is likely to affect inflammatory and immune functions.
However, it is not easy to maintain a healthier weight for those who are overweight or obese due to environmental, behavioural, biological societal and cultural factors. Our current living lifestyle has many accesses to unhealthy food and drinks. There is an imbalance between diet and physical exercise. It is hard for us to do all sort of exercise during this pandemic and especially tougher for those who don’t usually do a lot of physical exercise.
Digital technology is transforming how we manage health, going from treatment- based to preventive strategies. Prevention requires a holistic approach. With the integration of application (apps), consumers are easier to adopt healthy habit.
Monteloeder transforms the nutraceutical landscape to and unmet need in the industry by providing high quality, scientifically validated botanical ingredients/ blends and customizing an app which is consumer-centric, focus-driven health solutions. In this sense, our clinically-validated botanical ingredients form part of a complete personalized health solution to help consumers in their goal to a healthier life.
Sources:
Mindful Of Weight And Sugar | The Star
LETTER | Weight management in the era of Covid-19 (malaysiakini.com)
