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According to scientists from the USA and Great Britain, obese people are twice as likely to go to hospital after being infected with coronavirus, and their risk of death is increased by half.
Weight affects the course of COVID-19
It is known that obesity often entails comorbidities. We can mention, for example, diabetes or arterial hypertension. Obese people tend to have a weaker immune system, which in turn increases their susceptibility to infection and the severe course of COVID-19.
A team of researchers from the University of North Carolina analyzed 75 studies from around the world, covering almost 400 people. cases. It turned out that obese patients who contracted COVID-19 were hospitalized twice as often, and the probability of being in an intensive care unit increased by 74% in their case. In addition, they were also more likely to die.
Similar results of research conducted in Great Britain prompted the local government to introduce further measures to fight obesity.
Professor Barry Popkin of the Department of Nutrition, who led the US research team, said the risk of developing COVID-19 in obese people “is much higher than expected.”
– Healthy eating must become our priority – says prof. Popkin. – You should limit the consumption of sugary drinks and reduce the proportion of junk and highly processed food in the diet.
Obesity can also lead to inflammation in the body, which reduces the body’s ability to fight infection, further impairing the work of various organs and systems (e.g. the respiratory system).
Obesity may have an impact on the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine
Scientists warn that the coronavirus vaccine may be less effective in people with a body mass index (BMI) above 30. Flu vaccines are not 100% effective for them, and the one against coronavirus should work similarly.
— Everyone working on developing a vaccine against the new coronavirus should analyze its impact on obese people – claims prof. Popkin.
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This appeal stems from his concern that the finished product may be less effective in a population with high obesity rates.
Currently, as many as 20% of people live in the world. overweight or obese people. In Great Britain and the USA, they account for nearly 66 percent. understanding of the effects of the vaccine on this group will be crucial.
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