Obesity and COVID-19

 

Being obese (defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of over 30) increases the risk of premature death by almost 50%. It also doubles the risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 and could reduce the effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine, a study found.

The study, a collaborative effort between researchers from the Saudi Health Council, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the World Bank, found that obesity increases the risk of death from the virus by 48%, the risk of hospitalization by 113% and of needing intensive care by 74%.

The study also highlights the concern that a coronavirus vaccine may not be as effective in obese people, given that flu vaccines do not work as well in those with BMI of over 30.

The main drivers of overweight and obesity include a shift toward processed foods and beverages high in fat, salt, added sugar, insufficient fruit and vegetable intake as well as insufficient physical activity.

Other more recent drivers for overweight and obesity are likely the COVID-19 quarantine policies themselves. While it is absolutely necessary and critical to contain COVID-19, telework arrangements and social distancing requirements have likely worsened food consumption habits and further decreased physical activity, exacerbating current trends in overweight and obesity.