Sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of Covid deaths: study

People who live sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles are more likely to die due to a Covid infection and related problems. A new study published in the American Journal of Medicine analysed Covid-19 deaths and various lifestyle behaviours, obesity, and chronic conditions to assess the risk of death.

However, people with poor eating habits and multiple chronic conditions are prone to negative health outcomes in most cases. Unhealthy lifestyles also contribute to increased mortality rates.

Experts found a significant association between unhealthy behaviours and conditions such as low physical activity, obesity, diabetes and smoking, and poorer outcomes from Covid-19 infections. The pattern is evident and alarming for medical professionals. Dr Carl Lavie, Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention at the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, said the reality of this comparison should be quite eye-opening for many.

Around one million Covid-19 deaths are being linked to unhealthy lifestyle behaviours.

Experts also wrote that the current state of health outcomes has been building for decades and should be considered a "syndemic". This is a simultaneous occurrence of two prevalent health conditions or endemics.

Dr Lavie asserted that the only way to combat this problem is by promoting healthy lifestyles and addressing the health needs of everyone with a special focus on underserved communities. Minorities have been disproportionately impacted by poor outcomes related to chronic conditions and Covid-19 in the US.