A comprehensive meta-analysis of 75 published studies shows that obese patients with COVID-19 face twice the risk of death. Researchers also note potential reduced vaccine effectiveness in this group.
Obesity as a risk factor is well-established. Excess body fat impairs immune function, promotes insulin resistance, and triggers chronic inflammation, all of which hinder defenses against infections. It's also linked to diabetes, hypertension, and higher cancer risk. But how severely does it impact COVID-19 outcomes?
Experts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill synthesized data from 75 studies involving over 400,000 patients. Results indicate obese COVID-19 patients are twice as likely to require hospitalization and 74% more likely to need intensive care unit (ICU) admission than non-obese individuals. Moderate to severe obesity raises the risk of death by nearly 50%.
The study suggests COVID-19 vaccines may perform less effectively in obese individuals. "We're not claiming ineffectiveness, but obesity could alter vaccine performance," says co-author Melinda Beck, PhD, in a press release.
Lockdowns and remote work, while essential, encourage sedentary lifestyles, potentially worsening obesity rates.
Beck urges "creative solutions to curb poor diets and promote healthy eating, building resilience against future threats."
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports 39% of adults worldwide are overweight and 13% obese—rates nearly tripled since 1975. In France, about 17% of adults (over 8 million people) are affected.
