Obesity-related factors are believed to be associated with an increased risk of contracting various viral diseases.
Some 26,030 were tested as part of the study between March 16 and December 31 2020, among whom 1,178 positive Covid-19 results were recorded.
Researchers found the relationship between BMI and the probability of a patient testing positive remained significant even after age, sex and other medical conditions were considered.
The study also found that people with diabetes were 30% more likely to test positive, while the likelihood was six times greater in those with high blood pressure.
However, the risk was reduced in people with a history of a stroke, ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease by 39%, 55% and 45%, respectively.
Spain had the highest percentage of overweight boys A WEIGHT management expert has said, ‘be prepared for a shock’ when data is published showing how much childhood obesity has risen in Scotland during the pandemic. The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that Covid-19 could potentially amplify “one of the most worrying trends in Europe”. School closures and reduced access to meals and physical activity for children is likely to have widened inequalities, it said. Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, said anecdotal evidence from clinics “confirmed European fears”.
READ MORE: A major report by the WHO looking at rates of childhood obesity in Europe found that Mediterranean countries had the highest rates.
Obesity raises risk of Covid infection: Study
By IANS |
Published on
Tue, May 11 2021 12:42 IST |
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Obesity.. Image Source: IANS News
Jerusalem, May 11 : People with increasing body mass index (BMI) may be at the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes Covid-19, finds a new study.
The researchers, from the Chaim Sheba Medical Centre in Israel, found that the odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 were 22 per cent more higher in patients who were overweight or obese compared to those with a normal BMI.
People with Class I obesity (BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m2) was linked to a 27 per cent higher risk of testing positive, which increased to 38 per cent for class II obesity (BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m2), and an 86 per cent higher risk in class III or morbid obesity (BMI at or above 40.0 kg/m2).
Submitting.
That figure increased to 27% for those considered obese – with a BMI of 30 to 34.9 – and 86% for people classed as morbidly obese – a BMI at or above 40.
People with diabetes also more likely to test positive
The research, which has been presented at the European Congress on Obesity, looked at the relationship between BMI and the likelihood of testing positive for Sars-Cov-2, at the largest medical centre in the Middle East.
Obesity-related factors are believed to be associated with an increased risk of contracting various viral diseases.
Some 26,030 were tested as part of the study between March 16 and December 31 2020, among whom 1,178 positive Covid-19 results were recorded.