NEW DELHI, February 10 — A recent study published in The Lancet has revealed that individuals with obesity are approximately 70 percent more likely to be hospitalized or die from infectious diseases such as flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia. The research underscores the significant health risks associated with obesity, particularly in the context of infectious illnesses.
The study analyzed global data and highlighted that in 2023, obesity was linked to roughly one in ten deaths worldwide caused by infections. While these findings emphasize the impact of obesity on infectious disease outcomes, the researchers cautioned that estimates of obesity’s overall global effect should be interpreted carefully, given the complexities in data collection and varying health systems across countries.
Researchers from the UK and Finland noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals with obesity faced a noticeably higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and mortality related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The findings add to the growing body of evidence suggesting that obesity can impair immune response and complicate disease management.
The study also pointed out that obesity is a major contributor to the burden of non-communicable diseases globally, but its influence on infectious diseases has often been underestimated. Experts warn that the rising prevalence of obesity could strain healthcare systems further, especially during outbreaks. Public health initiatives aimed at managing weight and improving metabolic health could be crucial in reducing the severity and mortality of infectious diseases in the future.