GP warns Australians to stay away from alcohol over fears it could lead to obesity amid coronavirus

‘No bare-bottom farting’: Doctor bizarrely tells Australians not to pass wind in case it spreads coronavirus – while another urges people to steer clear of alcohol

• Victorian GP has warned alcohol may lead to high levels of obesity in Australians
• GP says obesity can triples a chance of being admitted to hospital for COVID-19 
• Australians were previously warned not to fart in fears it may spread coronavirus
• Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19

By Eliza Mcphee For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 15:57 BST, 25 April 2020 | Updated: 16:18 BST, 25 April 2020

A doctor has bizarrely urged Australians not to pass wind near others to reduce their risk of getting coronavirus, while another has told people to stay away from alcohol.

Physician and journalist, Dr Norman Swan, claimed this week that farting near other people could put them at risk of contracting coronavirus, despite no study or evidence suggesting this is the case.

‘A policy on the part of the entire Australian population should be that you don’t fart close to other people and you don’t fart with your bottom bare,’ he said in an ABC podcast.

‘No bare-bottom farting.’   

Australians have been warned to cut back on alcohol over links it can cause obesity, placing them in a more vulnerable position amid coronavirus (pictured: Revellers enjoy a few drinks at Pyrmont Bridge Hotel before hotels and pubs were shut down)

Making the tongue-in-cheek remarks, he added: ‘Luckily, we wear a mask, which covers our farts all the time’, referring to trousers and underwear. 

This has been followed by the advice of a Melbourne GP who recommends Australians lay off the booze as it increases the chance of obesity, which can place them at higher risk of falling seriously ill from coronavirus . 

Dr Peter Lewis, a GP from Melbourne, said many people are turning towards alcohol during coronavirus lockdowns which in turn could create higher levels of obesity.

The doctor said obesity triples a person’s chance of being admitted to hospital for coronavirus and is hoping restrictions on booze may be set in place as a result.

‘The party is over. It’s time to fight. Flatten your curves, while flattening the curve,’ Dr Lewis told The Herald Sun.

While many businesses were forced to shut up shop during COVID-19, bottle shops remain open and in high demand.

With alcohol having a direct link with obesity, Dr Lewis warned Australians to cut back on their drinking.

‘After age, obesity is the second most important risk factor. It triples your chance in being admitted to hospital or ending up in ICU,’ he told Sky News.

‘Some people are getting depressed and drinking too much alcohol and sitting inside but we should remember it’s actually really good and healthy to walk in the park and it will help us stay the distance.’ 

Dr Peter Lewis said drinking can increase obesity which could triple the risk of being hospitalised for COVID-19

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