Abstract
The British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR), the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and the Public Health Nutrition Specialist Group (PHNSG) have issued a joint statement on nutrition and cardiovascular health post-COVID-19 pandemic. We publish the statement here in full.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact upon the cardiovascular health of the population and also on access to and consumption of food and drinks, including alcohol. The effects of periods of inactivity combined with increased anxiety and depression are well-documented in similar situations. Increased consumption of high fat, high sugar, salty, ultraprocessed food and drinks will contribute to weight gain, changes in lipids and blood pressure during this relatively short period of time. Among those already vulnerable, unintentional weight and muscle loss is also a concern. Given the significant effect that obesity has on COVID-19 mortality, along with the established effects of fats and sugars on cardiovascular risk in general, there needs to be a focus at every level in society. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk can be decreased through supporting the nation to modify its diet. For this to be effective at a population level, there must be substantial action to address health inequalities, targeting those who are most vulnerable and also younger members of society as a means of better prevention. It is time to act now more than ever.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact upon the cardiovascular health of the population and also on access to and consumption of food and drinks, including alcohol. The effects of periods of inactivity combined with increased anxiety and depression are well-documented in similar situations. Increased consumption of high fat, high sugar, salty, ultraprocessed food and drinks will contribute to weight gain, changes in lipids and blood pressure during this relatively short period of time. Among those already vulnerable, unintentional weight and muscle loss is also a concern. Given the significant effect that obesity has on COVID-19 mortality, along with the established effects of fats and sugars on cardiovascular risk in general, there needs to be a focus at every level in society. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk can be decreased through supporting the nation to modify its diet. For this to be effective at a population level, there must be substantial action to address health inequalities, targeting those who are most vulnerable and also younger members of society as a means of better prevention. It is time to act now more than ever.
| Original language | Undefined/Unknown |
|---|---|
| Journal | British Journal of Cardiology |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 30 Sept 2020 |
| Externally published | Yes |