And the truth is that it’s not very surprising. Obesity tends to come along with a host of other health complications like heart trouble, high cholesterol, and type-2 diabetes. It’s also closely associated with chronic inflammation that can impair immune function.
The study found that obese patients were more likely to be hospitalized than patients that were not obese. They were also more likely to be admitted to the ICU, put on a ventilator, and suffer long-haul symptoms.
Some data suggests roughly 40 percent of COVID-19 survivors may experience chronic complications, but the risk is about 30 percent higher in obese patients.
These striking figures indicate two facts: obesity is a severe health hazard and that obese individuals should strongly consider a COVID-19 vaccination.
Compared to non-obese patients, the risk for hospitalizations among obese people was 30 percent higher, and their need for additional diagnostic testing – a strain on the healthcare system – was up to 39 percent higher.
Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI), a measurement of body fat based on height and weight, of 35 or over.
Battling obesity is no easy task but it is something that most people can do. It involves forming healthier lifestyle habits, cutting down on processed food intake, boosting activity, and in some cases, surgery.
But the benefits can overhaul your health and risk for disease, including the severity of a COVID-19 infection.
If you’re concerned about your weight’s potential impact on your health, speak to your doctor about developing a sustainable lifestyle to help you achieve long-lasting weight loss.
It could save your life from a host of threats.