Among COVID-19 patients, a lack of exercise is linked to more severe symptoms and a higher risk of death, according to a study covering nearly 50,000 people who were infected with the virus.
People physically inactive for at least two years before the pandemic were more likely to be hospitalized, to require intensive care, and to die, researchers reported on Tuesday in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. As a risk factor for serious COVID-19 disease, physical inactivity was surpassed only by advanced age and a history of organ transplant, the study found.
Strongest risk factor
Indeed, compared to other modifiable risk factors such as smoking, obesity or hypertension, “physical i…
Keep on reading: Couch potatoes ‘more likely to die,’ says COVID-19 study