Obesity Surgeon Perth

Linking A High BMI (Obesity) and COVID-19 Complications

On this webpage, the team at Dr Kevin Dolan’s establish the complications of COVID-19 our world is currently facing, and the link it has with obesity.

If an individual has a BMI of over 35 they are considered to be obese. Other obesity measures are when a patient’s weight is 30kg or more above his or her healthy weight.

If left untreated, obesity can lead to a number of serious health issues and have a serious impact on your social life and financial stability. So, how does this link to COVID-19 complications?

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The Obesity Pandemic: COVID-19 Implications

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Obesity Leads To A Higher Risk Of Death

Adults with obesity have a 37% higher risk of death if tested positive for COVID-19.

An analysis of 16,749 patients admitted to UK hospitals with COVID-19 found that obesity linked to a higher probability of dying, compared to people with a healthy BMI.

Higher ICU Demand For These Patients

COVID-19 adults with a BMI (Body Mass Index) ≥ 35 were 3.6 times more likely to be admitted to an ICU (Intensive Care Unit) than regular weight patients. Why was this, you may be asking? The World Health Organisation (WHO) released a statement declaring adults with obesity were at higher risk for admission to ICU (Intensive Care Units) and intubation. Several recent worldwide studies have proven this accurate.

People with obesity are more likely to develop severe, or even fatal, COVID-19 related complications. Among individuals affected by COVID-19, adults with obesity were almost twice as likely to need treatment in ICU than those without obesity. Why might this be, you ask? Severe obesity increases the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is a significant complication of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Related Death Rises With An Increased BMI

Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, recently broadcasted a potentially mandatory vaccine coming soon to help fight off a second wide-spread of COVID-19 in Australia.

However, adults with obesity have a more extended viral load (numerical expression of the quantity of virus in a given volume of fluid) and lower vaccination effect.

Book A Health Check With Dr Dolan

Obesity is a disease, and it’s not your fault. Don’t let it burden you, your lifestyle and your health.

Book a health check with Dr Kevin Dolan today to establish your options moving forward.

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