We are all aware that increased weight, especially obesity, heightens the likelihood of developing health issues, such as heart disease or diabetes. ‘There's some evidence that obesity it self can increase the likelihood of serious complications from a coronavirus infection. One study of more than 5200 infected people included 35 percent who were obese. ’
The Sydney Morning Herald article, by Candice Choy, highlights that in countries such as the United States of America ‘the obesity rate among adults has climbed for decades and is now at 42 percent. The rate is even higher among black and Hispanic Americans. ’
‘How fat is distributed in the body may play a role too. One study found an increased risk for death from Covid19 for people with severe obesity, but only among men. ’
A higher Body Mas s Index (otherwise known as BMI, of 30 and over )and fat being carried around the mid-section undermine the bodies immunity, especially when a major threat such as Covid19 is added to the mix. ‘Illness appears more pronounced with extreme obesity, or a BMI of 40 or higher. ’
Sara Tartof, from Kaiser Permanente in Southern California, studies infectious diseases, and along with other researches, is exploring the ‘theory that virus infects cells by attaching to receptors on the surface of certain cells. That receptor is abundant on fat cells. ’
The extra weight the body is carrying creates additional strains, making it harder to fight the infection and often patients cannot do the physical aspects, such as laying on their stomachs, resulting in the need for a ventilator, discussed Dr David Kass of Baltimore's Johns Hopkins University, cowriter of a study on obesity and severe Covid19 illness.
Concern has arisen that the Covid19 vaccine may not be as effective on those who are obese. Dr Nancie MacIver, from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, believes ‘obesity {will] impair aspects of the immune system that needs to be activated for vaccines to work. ’
