Obesity May Be Biggest Risk Factor for COVID-19 Severity

Research shows that those who experience the most severe COVID-19 symptoms are often obese. A recent meta-analysis of nearly 400,000 patients published in Obesity Reviews found that people with obesity and COVID-19 were 113% more likely to be hospitalized, 74% were more likely to receive treatment in intensive care units, and 48% were more likely to die compared with healthy weight patients who were also sick with COVID-19. The culprits? Inflammation, reduced immunity, blood that is more likely to clot, and hesitance at seeking medical care. People who are overweight may also experience greater severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Click here to read more.