Although obesity is not considered the only risk factor, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that this condition considerably increases the risk of death among patients who contract the new coronavirus.
In Mexico, statistics suggest that COVID-19 deaths are largely related to chronic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, as well as old age. This statement is worrisome, since around 75% of the Mexican population of 20 years or more is overweight or obese, and approximately 14% suffers from diabetes. Furthermore, the WHO warns that people with diabetes and the complications related to that disease are among the most vulnerable to severe cases of coronavirus. This is also the case of the United States, where 42% of Americans are obese and approximately another 33% are overweight.
Although young people are not classified as an at-risk population, it is important to note that the mortality rate of obese young people who contracted COVID-19 rose significantly compared to those who are not overweight.
Various studies in China and the United States show that the prevalence of obesity was related to a higher rate of severe pneumonia in adults hospitalized with coronavirus, who have an 86% chance of developing this respiratory condition. Therefore, severe obesity (body mass index above 40) is considered to be the second high risk factor for coronavirus, after age. This is the case of New Orleans, which has had a double mortality rate than New York, due to the fact that 50% of its population suffers from obesity.
A new study among 5,350 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the New York City area shows that nearly 57% had high blood pressure, while 41.7% were obese and 33.8% had diabetes. According to reports from the Mexican Ministry of Health, of the nationwide cases of deaths in people (686) with coronavirus until April 19, 2020, comorbidities associated with deaths were hypertension (43%), diabetes (38%) and obesity (31.5%).
Why is obesity a risk factor?
When suffering from obesity, the body remains in a chronic inflammatory state and highly vulnerable to being invaded by any virus or infection, due to the fact that the immune system is weakened. When another inflammation develops thanks to the virus, the organism is attacked on two fronts. Therefore, the risks of complications are multiplied and the attack of this pathogen is likely to be more lethal.
Another influential factor is that many obese patients suffer from respiratory diseases such as asthma and sleep apnea, which results in reduced oxygenation in the body that negatively affects the evolution of the disease. A physical aspect to take into account is the abdominal pressure exerted by the fatty tissue in the rib cage, which in itself restricts breathing.
In addition, excess body fat contributes to raising blood pressure and developing cardiovascular risk, which is why many overweight people suffer from hypertension - identified as a strong comorbidity associated with deaths from coronavirus.
For all of the above, it is important that obese patients with coronavirus are monitored and treated quickly and aggressively, which increases the possibility of a favorable outcome. We must remember that a strong immune system is linked to a healthy diet and that we must closely monitor our nutritional intake and physical activity, now more than ever.
Looking ahead, it is clear that it is necessary to work together in reducing the obesity rates worldwide, since maintaining a healthy weight will most likely be one of the key tools in protecting people against future epidemics.
Let us do our part and, as much as possible, #StayHome to protect our families and at-risk groups in this pandemic, from which I am sure we will come out stronger.