NEWS CLINICAL
Tabitha Ward RD Tabitha is a Senior Dietitian in Weight Management. She is also a freelance health writer.
TabithaWardRD
To book your company's
product news for the next issue of
NHD call
01342 824073
BARIATRIC SURGERY REDUCES COVID-19 SEVERITY In recent months, researchers have identified obesity as a risk factor for developing more severe COVID-19, which may require hospital admission, time in intensive care and ventilator support. But a new study published in Obesity Surgery, has found an association between bariatric surgery and clinical outcomes for COVID-19, suggesting that previous weight-loss surgery could affect the severity of outcomes. The systematic review looked at 9022 patients from three retrospective studies. Researchers looked at hospital admissions in those with COVID-19, as well as the risk of mortality in those who have had bariatric surgery versus those who had not. Results showed a significantly lower risk of hospital admissions in those who had previously had bariatric surgery, compared with those who had not. There were also fewer cases of mortality in those who had previously had bariatric surgery. These results suggest that previous bariatric surgery is associated with a lower rate of mortality and hospital admissions in patients with obesity who became infected with COVID-19. However, there was a risk of bias in this study for confounding and selection. Larger studies are, therefore, needed with better quality data. For more information, visit: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11695-020-05213-9
PROMOTIONS OF UNHEALTHY FOODS RESTRICTED FROM APRIL 2022 The UK Government has outlined a plan for a ban on the promotion of food and drinks high in fat, salt or sugar in retailers, both instore and online from April 2022. The new rules come following the antiobesity strategy of July 2020. The restrictions have been designed to support the nation into making healthier food choices. What do the new measures include? • Retailers will be prohibited from offering multibuy promotions such as ‘BOGOF’ or ‘3 for 2’ on unhealthy products. • Stores will not be allowed to feature unhealthy foods in key locations. • Free refills on soft drinks will be prohibited in the eating-out sector. • Restrictions apply to medium and large stores (over 2000 square feet). More information at: www.gov.uk/government/news/promotions-of-unhealthy-foods-restrictedfrom-april-2022
6
www.NHDmag.com March 2021 - Issue 161
