Go vegan to combat coronavirus
Going vegan could literally save your life – and sooner rather than later!
We know that being overweight or obese reduces life expectancy and increases the risk of developing cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Research now shows that it can also put you at risk of worse outcomes from Covid-19.
A new report from Public Health England shows that, compared to people with a healthy weight, having a BMI of 35 to 40 increases the risk of death by 40 per cent, a BMI of 40 or more (severely obese) may increase the risk by up to 90 per cent.
Vegans tend to weigh less than meat- and dairy-eaters and have a lower risk of chronic diseases. A low-fat, vegan diet can help you lose weight and keep it off without having to count calories. Changing your diet is a simple and effective way to lose weight and protect your health.
The main sources of unhealthy saturated fat in UK diets are meat, eggs, dairy, pies, pastries, processed foods, fatty spreads, coconut oil and palm fat. The UK has one of the highest rates of obesity in Europe; almost two-thirds of adults (63 per cent) are either overweight or obese and concerns have been raised that this may have contributed to the high number of Covid-19 deaths in the UK.
You can’t do much about the other risk factors, such as age, ethnicity and sex; but weight appears to be one of the few modifiable risk factors for Covid-19. Our 12 page guide 5:2 Vegan-Style can help you kick-start things and show you how to maintain a healthy weight and our Vegan Recipe Club also has some great meal ideas to offer!
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
View author page | View staff profile
