Obese people at higher risk of a more severe Covid-19 infection: Study
A new study has found that Covid-19 patients who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop a more severe infection than patients of healthy weight, and they require oxygen and invasive mechanical ventilation more often.
The findings of the study were published in the journal 'Diabetes Care'. While obese people are at a higher risk of developing a more serious infection, there is no increased risk of death.
These conclusions appear from international research in eleven countries, including the Netherlands (Radboud university medical center).
The study, led by Australian researchers, examined over 7,000 patients from eleven different countries who were admitted to 18 hospitals. Of this group, over a third (34.8 per cent) were overweight and almost a third (30.8 per cent) were obese. Covid-19 patients with obesity required oxygen more frequently and were 73 per cent more likely to require invasive mechanical ventilation. Remarkably, no greater mortality was observed in these groups of patients than in patients of healthy weight.
The findings of the study were published in the journal 'Diabetes Care'. While obese people are at a higher risk of developing a more serious infection, there is no increased risk of death.
These conclusions appear from international research in eleven countries, including the Netherlands (Radboud university medical center).
The study, led by Australian researchers, examined over 7,000 patients from eleven different countries who were admitted to 18 hospitals. Of this group, over a third (34.8 per cent) were overweight and almost a third (30.8 per cent) were obese. Covid-19 patients with obesity required oxygen more frequently and were 73 per cent more likely to require invasive mechanical ventilation. Remarkably, no greater mortality was observed in these groups of patients than in patients of healthy weight.