University of Leicester

Academic Institute

Kamlesh Khunti - Chief Investigator - University of LeicesterLuis Vaz - Corresponding Applicant - University of LeicesterClare Gillies - Collaborator - University of LeicesterTom Yates - Collaborator - University of LeicesterFranceso Zaccardi - Collaborator - University of Leicester

CPRD689

Obesity is a growing health concern in the UK. It is defined as an excess of body weight and is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancers, psychological problems such as depression, and mortality. The Coronavirus lockdown in the UK may mean that people see change in their BMI, move or exercise less frequently, use healthcare less often, and may be at increased risk of experiencing diseases associated with obesity or mental health issues.

Obesity is a significant public health problem across the UK. Defined as an excess of body weight, whether overweight (body mass index (BMI): 25-29) or obese (BMI≥30), it is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancers, psychological problems such as depression and anxiety, and mortality. The Coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19), an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2 virus), resulted in several stages of lockdown in the UK in order to disease reduce transmission, which may mean that people have seen a change in their BMI, experienced reduced activity, use healthcare resources more sparingly, and may be at increased risk of experiencing mental health issues associated with overweight or obese.

23/03/2021

Release