Past studies have suggested that obesity may increase the risk of contracting COVID-19.
In new research, released in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, experts shine a spotlight on the public health complications of people with higher BMIs.
According to the report. comprised of data from over 148,000 patients with COVID-19, obesity and higher BMIs were risk factors for contracting COVID-19 and even higher mortality rates.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, many of us treating patients have noted the propensity for obese and overweight individuals to have more severe illness,” said Amesh Adalja of Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in a press release.
“This is true with other respiratory viruses, as well, as obesity does compromise respiratory fitness and has many other metabolic effects.”
The findings suggest preventative health strategies that adhere to physical exercise routines and healthy eating habits.
“These findings highlight clinical and public health implications of higher BMIs, including the need for intensive management of COVID-19-associated illness, continued vaccine prioritization and masking, and policies to support healthy behaviors,” said another expert associated with the report.
