As a result of the current crisis and the need for social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are consuming more processed, ultra-processed foods with longer shelf lives and canned foods, rather than fresh products. This can lead to weight gain if these conditions persist for much longer.
In view of the threat that the new virus poses to people’s health, being sedentary can further aggravate this situation. This is because the practice of physical activity improves the immune system and contributes to the fight against chronic diseases, which can aggravate the consequences of the Coronavirus.
The importance of physical activity in weight loss goes far beyond the burning of calories, as it affects health globally. Thus, it promotes improvement in physical condition and biological functioning, decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, reduces stress and improves mood. With this in mind, the Brazilian Ministry of Health produced a roadmap on physical activity for children and adults during the pandemic.
Food insecurity
In addition to concerns about overweight and physical inactivity, the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 may also affect food insecurity across the globe. This year alone, almost 14 million people may be severely food insecure in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to data collected in the 11 countries where the WFP has operations in the region. In 2019, the WFP supported governments in the region to implement programmes that benefited 5.1 million vulnerable people with food supplies and cash transfers.
The WFP Centre of Excellence against Hunger Brazil will also support countries in the region through the new South-South cooperation project signed between the Centre of Excellence and the Brazilian Government. The project foresees the collaboration of both institutions, and others that will be defined along the journey, in the production of evidence and exchange of successful experiences between Brazil and other countries that also face the problem of the multiple burden of malnutrition (coexistence of micronutrients and malnutrition, combined with overweight and obesity).
Learn more about the project here
