Obesity Linked to Higher COVID-19 Infection Rates

Obesity increases the risk of higher COVID-19 infection rates, impacting immune response and leading to more severe outcomes and complications.

Obese individuals are more likely to develop severe COVID-19 infections and have higher mortality rates, according to a new study. The research also suggests that obesity may increase the risk of contracting the virus ().

Obesity's Role in COVID-19 Vulnerability

Masanori Aikawa and colleagues sought to determine if obesity also affected the likelihood of getting ill in the first place.

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Why is the waist-to-height ratio a better obesity indicator than BMI? It more accurately predicts health risks related to abdominal fat distribution.

‘#Obese individuals are more susceptible to #COVID19, with a 34% higher chance of testing positive compared to those with a normal #BMI. #Obesity’

To investigate, the authors analyzed electronic medical records for 687,813 patients from the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, including 72,613 individuals with suspected SARS-CoV-2 exposure, 18,447 of whom tested positive.

The authors limited their data to a timeframe before vaccination became widespread in Massachusetts, to avoid the possible confounding factor of variable vaccine response.

The authors compared the likelihood of testing positive upon suspected exposure for obese individuals with that of non-obese individuals.

Test your Knowledge on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus is a large positive-strand RNA virus that is surrounded by a protein envelope. The virus obtains its name from the S protein spikes on its surface, which resemble a crown. The overall pattern of increasing coronavirus cases is shown to ...

This pattern held across ages and sexes. According to the authors, this knowledge could help communities distribute resources toward individuals at higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 positivity.

Reference:

Obesity and age are transmission risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among exposed individuals - (https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/3/8/pgae294/7736245?login=false)

Source-Eurekalert

Body Mass Index
The BMI calculator helps you assess your weight indicating if it is normal or if you are underweight or overweight, based on your height.

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Slide show which explains obesity causes and tips on how to lose weight. Exercising before breakfast is most effective for weight loss.