Obesity increases the risk of Covid-19 death by 48%

Illustration of an obese man and a heart rhythm line
https://health.clevelandclinic.org

Obesity increases the risk of dying of Covid-19 by nearly 50% and may make vaccines against the disease less effective, according to a comprehensive study using global data.

The findings, which the lead researcher described as “scary”, show that the risks for people with obesity are greater than previously thought.

The study – a collaborative effort between the University of North Carolina (UNC), Saudi Health Council and the World Bank.

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Coronavirus and obesity: industry urged to act post-crisis

ENWHP
https://www.enwhp.org/resources/toolip/img/2020/04/26/covid_obesity_19.png

The coronavirus pandemic should give the food industry increased impetus to make healthier products, according to experts, after an NHS audit in the UK revealed over three quarters (76.5%) of critically ill coronavirus patients are overweight.

Why the link between obesity and COVID?

Coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms and complications in people with obesity-related conditions, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

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A weighty problem: the economics of obesity

Economist.com

A new report by the OECD shows that more than half the population is overweight in 34 of its 36 member countries. The overweight tend to do worse in school and to miss work more often.

See full article here.