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Studies reveal that inflammation caused by being overweight contributes to worsening the condition of coronavirus infection
Studies show that the effect of obesity on the body favors infection with the new coronavirus. (Photo: World Obesity Federation / HEALTH is vital)
Two new studies, one conducted in France and the other in the United States, reveal that obesity It is the chronic condition that causes most people to be hospitalized for the new coronavirus (Sars-Cov-2). The inflammation generated by being overweight would be largely responsible for complications in these individuals.
Until now, no one had fully investigated the relationship between obesity and Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. It was only known that a good number of infected diabetics and hypertensive patients, a group considered at risk, are also obese, since these conditions have a strong connection.
It was then that the French researchers at the Lille Pasteur Institute decided to take the first step. They examined 124 people hospitalized for Sars-Cov-2 from February 27 to April 5, 2020.
The results showed that 47.6% were obese (that is, they had a body mass index, BMI greater than 30) and 28.2% were severely obese (BMI greater than 35). Scientists also noted that 85 patients (68.6% of the total) used mechanical ventilation, the highest proportion being among the severely obese (85.7%).
With an eye on the data, the scientists concluded that the severity of infection increases as BMI increases. However, they did not address the reasons behind this relationship. But American research, conducted at New York University, has advanced further on the subject.
Academics analyzed information on 4,103 patients in the city. Among them, 44.6% were cardiac, 39.8% obese and 31.8% diabetic. While 51.3% (2,104) were followed at home, 48.7% (1,999) required hospitalization.
At the end of the analysis, the authors realized that high BMI was the chronic problem that most resulted in hospitalization and the need for mechanical ventilation. According to them, this relationship did not happen by chance.
Experts say the most severe cases were those with the highest number of inflammatory markers in the body. And the injuries caused by this exacerbated inflammation led to the formation of clots, which culminated in cases of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. According to the study, obesity is the chronic disease with the strongest association with this cascade of events.
Americans end the document by suggesting that doctors should consider testing for inflammatory markers during hospitalization for Covid-19. Thus, they could better predict which patients are most at risk for complications.
