Being overweight dramatically increases the risk of complications with COVID-19: what you need to know
'17.05.2020'
Source: health.tut.by
Obesity is known to increase the risk of a number of diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies suggest that being overweight can make the body more vulnerable to COVID-19. But why is this so? Explains health.tut.by with reference to the BBC.
What evidence is there that obesity increases the risk of coronavirus infection?
Scientists are actively considering this issue, here are a few works from the UK:
- В Research almost 17 thousand patients with COVID-19, those who were obese - body mass index (BMI) over 30 - had a 33% higher risk of death than those who were not obese.
- Research National Health Service electronic health records revealed a doubling of the risk of death from COVID-19 among obese people. According to scientists, if you take into account other health conditions associated with obesity, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, the risk will be even higher.
- Research critically ill patients in intensive care units showed that almost 34,5% of them were overweight, 31,5% were obese and 7% were highly obese (only 73%) compared with 26% with a healthy body mass index.
Studies in the USA, Italy and China also show that being overweight is an important risk factor along with old age and health problems.
Why is obesity a risk factor?
The more an overweight person, the more fat in his body, worse physical endurance and less lung capacity. The delivery of oxygen throughout the body requires a lot of effort. It affects the heart and blood flow.
“Overweight people have a need for more oxygen. This means that their system is actually under more pressure, ”says Professor Navid Sattar of the University of Glasgow.
During an infection like coronavirus, this can be of serious importance. This is one of the reasons why overweight and obese people in the intensive care unit are more likely to need help with breathing and support for kidney function.
On the subject: What you need to know about the nature of coronavirus and high-risk groups: advice from Alexander Litvin
What role do fat cells play?
Scientists have discovered that the ACE2 enzyme, which is present in cells, is one of the ways the virus enters the body. It is believed that higher levels of this molecule are found in adipose tissue, which is more common in obese people - including around organs. This may be one of the reasons that they have a higher risk of getting coronavirus infection.
Does obesity also affect the immune system?
Among other things, the body’s ability to fight the virus (immune response) is not so good in obese people. This is due to inflammation caused by immune cells (macrophages) that penetrate our adipose tissue. They interfere with how cells respond to infection. According to scientists, this can lead to a “cytokine storm” - a potentially life-threatening excessive reaction of the body’s immune system.
What about concomitant diseases?
Obesity is often accompanied by other health problems, such as a weak heart or lungs, poorly functioning kidneys, or type 2 diabetes. They may not appear before the development of a severe infection, but create an additional burden on the body.
Why are obese people more difficult to treat?
When it comes to treating obese patients in resuscitation, problems can arise because they are more difficult to intubate. It may also be more difficult to turn them over (the so-called pron-position) to facilitate breathing.
On the subject: Unscientific Virology, or How to Stop Being Afraid and Start Living: A Look at Risk
What can be done to get rid of obesity?
The best way to lose weight is to eat healthy and balanced and exercise regularly. Try to eat slowly and avoid overeating. And remember that brisk walking or cycling are good options for physical activity that allow you to maintain a social distance.
