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13
Apr
Obesity: The Common Denominator in Many COVID-19 Cases
Every day, it seems that something new is discovered about the novel COVID-19: whether it’s new cases, medical developments or a change in laws. Research has unearthed the possibility that elderly and obese people are more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19. With the United States containing some of the most obese people in the world, the virus is hitting especially hard. These are just a few of the recent facts unearthed about obesity in coronavirus patients.
Old Age Might Not Be the Only Risk
It’s no secret that the elderly are the most afflicted demographic, but researchers have recently found that obesity is a major risk, with 36% of patients being overweight. While age is the one of the biggest risks for contracting the virus, obesity has been found to be more prevalent in those who have a more serious case. Patients with a BMI classified as obese are more prone to serious infection because their immune system is preoccupied with trying to repair the inflammation caused by carrying excess body fat.
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When you’re overweight or obese, you usually have a lowered immune system, along with a slew of other health issues. It has been found that overweight males are much more likely to need hospital care or ventilation, making this the second biggest risk after elderly age. Those with a BMI of more than 30 were almost twice as likely to be admitted to the hospital for acute and critical care related to COVID-19. Unfortunately, obesity is more commonplace in the United States, which may contribute to the rising death toll as well as the amount of cases.
Who Else Is at Risk for COVID-19?
With numbers increasing in the amount of cases, there’s increasing pressure to know whether you are at high risk to contract COVID-19. Since this is a new disease, various risk factors are still being discovered. Several risk groups include people over the age of 65, a history of heart conditions, immunocompromised people, and diabetics. Those over the age of 65 are most likely to succumb to the virus due to the fact that the immune system weakens as people age, making it harder to fight off this deadly disease. After age, obesity, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease were linked to more severe cases. Keeping in line with social distancing, washing hands, and wearing masks are all ways to greatly decrease the risk of infection of yourself and others.
Fighting Obesity
The United States is one of the epicenters for obesity – which means that many individuals are part of this risk factor. Obesity is a struggle of its own in the US, but more people are turning to weight loss options. That being said, there are a wide range of options for weight loss – such as whether it’s surgery, diet or pills, there is something for everyone’s individual need.
Triborough GI offers Orbera, a type of nonsurgical gastric balloon that is used for weight loss. Orbera can help you lose up to three times as much weight as diet and exercise normally would allow, making this a suitable option for dramatic weight loss. Book a Televisit today to learn more about weight loss with Orbera.
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