Scientists seek to find out why obesity worsens COVID-19

In the early days of the pandemic, doctors noticed something about critically ill patients with COVID-19: Many were obese..

As the coronavirus swept the globe and data was mounted, the links became clearer and researchers are still trying to figure out why.

Excessive weight increases your chances of developing Many health problems, Including heart disease and diabetes. And those are In the condition This makes COVID-19 patients highly ill.

However, there is some evidence that obesity itself may increase the likelihood of serious complications from coronavirus infection. One study of more than 5,200 infected people, including 35% who were obese, Increased likelihood of hospitalization In addition to Body mass index, Even when considering other conditions that may endanger them.

Scientists are still investigating factors that may be at play— Effects of obesity on the immune system May be one. The riddle is another example of a pandemic uncovering existing public health challenges.

Obesity may be one of the reasons some countries and communities have been hit hard by the virus, researchers say. In the United States, adult obesity rates have risen for decades, Currently 42%.. This ratio is even higher between blacks and Latinos.

A person 5 feet by 7 inches is considered obese from about 190 pounds. Body mass index The increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness is more pronounced in extreme obesity or a BMI of 40 or above (from about £255 for 5’7).

Researchers say multiple factors make it more difficult for obese people to fight coronavirus infections, which can possibly damage the lungs. Carrying too much extra weight puts a strain on your body and its excess fat can limit your lungs’ ability to expand and breathe.

Another problem is chronic inflammation, which is often accompanied by obesity. Inflammation is the natural way our body fights harmful invaders like viruses. However, long-lasting inflammation is unhealthy and can compromise the body’s defenses when a real threat occurs.

“It’s like pouring gasoline over a smoldering fire,” he said. Dr. Darish Mozafarian, Obesity researcher and dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition and Policy at Tufts University near Boston.

Even if obese people are not diagnosed with diabetes or heart disease, Mozafarian points out that their health may not be optimal.

It also affects how fat is distributed in the body. One study found increased risk of death from COVID-19 Severely obese, But only among men.

Findings may reflect that men tend to carry fat around the stomach, he said. Sarah tartov, Co-author of a study on infectious diseases at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. That type of fat is more associated with the production of hormones that may contribute to more serious illnesses, she said.

Scientists are also investigating whether there is anything in the coronavirus itself that makes obesity very vulnerable.

For example, viruses infect cells by attaching to receptors on the surface of particular cells. The receptors are abundant in adipocytes and scientists are investigating whether they make them a “good nest for the virus” Dr. Francois Patou Joint research at Lille University in France Links between obesity And Severe COVID-19 disease..

When patients are hospitalized, care complications can also occur. For example, doctors have placed patients in the stomach with COVID-19 to help breathe. However, it can be difficult for obese people and makes them more likely to wear a ventilator.

“They just need machines to help them do their jobs,” he said. Dr. David Kas Of Johns Hopkins University of Baltimore Written about obesity and severe COVID-19 disease..

Yet another concern: A COVID-19 vaccine It may not be as effective in obesity, as is the case with influenza and other vaccines.

I don’t know why it may not be known, but one possibility is that obesity impairs the aspects of the immune system that the vaccine needs to activate in order to function. Dr. Nancy McBarStudying the effect of weight on the immune system at Duke University in Durham, NC

Whatever factors are working, she said it is likely to apply to the COVID-19 vaccine, but adding that getting it is still important.