Recent studies and evidence suggest that obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing symptoms and complications of the coronavirus disease COVID-19.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that severe obesity increases the risk of a serious breathing problem called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is a major complication of COVID-19 and can cause difficulties with a doctor’s ability to provide respiratory support for seriously ill patients. People living with severe obesity can have multiple serious chronic diseases and underlying health conditions that can increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Early data seems to suggest that people with obesity are more likely to become severely ill due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
To shed light on the situation, a team of experts in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States have come together to review the evidence and clarify what we know so far.
Their findings are published in Nature Reviews Endocrinology.
Evidence
In China, where the outbreak began, data from 383 patients showed that having obesity was associated with a 142% higher risk of developing severe pneumonia associated with COVID-19.
A larger study of over 4,000 patients with COVID-19 in New York City found that severe obesity was a major risk factor for hospitalization, second only to age.
In Seattle, a study of critically ill COVID-19 patients made similar findings. This analysis found that 85% of patients with obesity required mechanical ventilation, compared to 64% of patients without the condition. Moreover, 62% of the patients with obesity died of COVID-19, compared with 36% of those without obesity.
The final study involved 124 patients in Lille, France, and also found that patients with obesity were more likely to require invasive mechanical ventilation.
Together, the evidence suggests obesity may be a significant risk factor for COVID-19.
Why is obesity a risk factor?
People with obesity are more likely to have higher resistance in their airways, lower lung volumes, and weaker respiratory muscles, which are critical in the defense against COVID-19. These factors make an individual more likely to develop pneumonia, and it places additional stress on the heart.
Obesity is also associated with diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, all of which likewise increase the risk of developing pneumonia.
*While this research strongly suggests that people with obesity experience more risk associated with COVID-19, there are limitations to the analysis. To date, the research has not been peer-reviewed yet.
Preventive Measures
The most effective preventive measures as further research is conducted is to get involved in some physical activities. “Run and Play” EVERYDAY
Regular physical activity benefits both the body and mind especially as we face the challenges of COVID-19. Run and Play Inc. has collected these resources on physical activity that may help during these uncertain times. Also, refer to helpful guidance from the World Health Organization and the American College of Sports Medicine on staying active and healthy.
