According to Mayo Clinic, obesity itself is a complex disease that involves excessive amounts of body fat. Obesity is not just a matter of appearance or aesthetics, but rather a medical problem that increases the risk of illness and health problems. Obesity can be caused by many factors, including difficulty losing weight, heredity, physiological and environmental factors, diet patterns, physical activity and exercise.

Obesity is widely known to raise the risk of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers. Just as important, obesity can also aggravate the course of COVID-19, leading to more serious symptoms.

A study published in August 2020 in the Annals of Internal Medicine involving nearly 7,000 people with COVID-19 reported a twofold higher risk of death among those with a BMI of 40 or more, and a fourfold higher risk among those with a BMI of 45 or greater.

According to the Mayo Clinic, obesity is a complex medical disease marked by excessive body fat. It is not merely an issue of appearance; it significantly increases the likelihood of health problems. Many factors such as genetics, physiology, environment, diet, physical activity, and difficulties with weight loss all play a role.

Obesity and the Risk of COVID-19

Having obesity is associated with a higher chance of severe COVID-19. Based on information from the CDC, the following risks have been identified:

• People who are overweight and obese face a greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

• Obesity is linked to roughly double the risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19.

• Excess body fat in obesity can impair immune function.

• Obesity reduces lung capacity and reserve, making breathing support and ventilation more challenging.

• Research shows that individuals with obesity who contract COVID-19 are more likely to require intensive care, undergo invasive mechanical ventilation, and face higher mortality, even among adults under 65 years old.

• Children with obesity may also experience more severe COVID-19 symptoms.

Reducing the Risks of COVID-19 if You Have Obesity

One effective way to reduce COVID-19 risk in people with obesity is to adopt healthier eating patterns and lifestyle habits. The following steps can support weight loss and help prevent severe illness:

• Healthy diet

Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, while moderating overall calorie intake. Nutritious, balanced eating supports immune system and helps prevent other chronic conditions.

• Be active

Regular exercises can improve mood, sleep quality, and stress levels. Staying active also helps prevent weight gain and, along with limiting calorie intake, also supports weight loss.

• Get enough sleep

Poor sleep is associated with depression and other chronic medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Insufficient rest may also heighten the risk of more severe COVID-19. Aim for consistent, adequate sleep each night.

• Manage stress

Chronic stress can negatively affect blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body weight. By practicing stress management, you can lower the risk of chronic disease and reduce the chance of worsening COVID-19 outcomes.

• Obesity treatments

In some cases, doctors may prescribe weight-loss medications to help obese patients lose weight, such as:

• • Bupropion–naltrexone (Contrave)

  • Liraglutide (Saxenda)

  • Orlistat (Alli, Xenical)

  • Phentermine–topiramate (Qsymia)

These medicines do not guarantee optimal weight loss for everyone, and weight regain may occur after stopping them.

Losing excess weight can also lower the risk of severe COVID-19. The most effective approach is to consult a healthcare professional, follow a healthy eating plan, and maintain an active lifestyle.

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