/data/photo/2020/09/13/5f5dfdd3dbabf.jpg "Researchers Call Obesity a Key Predictor of Death due to Covid-19 Page all")
KOMPAS.com – There are still many people who think overweight is not something dangerous. Moreover, for those who feel their bodies are healthy.
When in fact, various risks of disease lurk in people who are overweight, especially those who have entered into the category obesity.
The researchers even warn that obesity – defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above, is one of the main health conditions that will make a person of all ages more susceptible to infection. Covid-19 severe symptoms to death.
A new study has also found that obesity appears to be more influential in determining the effects of the coronavirus than previously believed.
Also read: Obesity can be a trigger for disease, know the causes and how to measure it
Weight Gain is a Very Significant Predictor of Covid-19 Deaths
According to a report published Wednesday (3/3/2021), Covid-19 and Obesity: Atlas 2021, the death rate from Covid-19 is up to ten times higher in countries where more than half of the population is overweight.
This identified being overweight as a very significant predictor of severe infection, including complications from the coronavirus – hospitalization, ICU admission, and mechanical ventilation treatment. It also describes this condition as a predictor of death in Covid-19.
In contrast, countries where less than 40 percent of the population is obese, have had fewer Covid-19-related deaths.
Researchers identified the UK, United States and Italy as countries where more than half of the population is overweight, and where the death rate from Covid-19 is much higher.
Meanwhile, Vietnam is the country with the least number of overweight people and the second lowest Covid-19 death rate in the world.
“An overweight population is an unhealthy population, it is only a matter of waiting for a pandemic to occur,” the report explained.
Researchers also noted that those under 60 with a BMI between 30 and 34 were twice as likely to be admitted to the ICU than those with a BMI under 30.
“Reducing one major risk factor, being overweight, would result in far less stress on healthcare, so as not to be overwhelmed,” they wrote.
On its website, the CDC also explains how obesity plays a role in increasing the severity of Covid-19.
“ Obesity increases the risk of severe symptoms from Covid-19. People who are overweight may also be at higher risk, “write the investigators.
Also read: Obesity Increases the Risk of Severe Covid-19 Symptoms, How Can?
In addition, obesity can triple the risk of hospitalization due to Covid-19 infection by three times.
Obesity has been shown to affect the immune system, which in turn has one effect is to reduce lung capacity and disrupt the respiratory system.
Researchers say, as BMI increases, the risk of death from Covid-19 will also increase.
Not only that, studies have shown that obesity can lead to a lower vaccine response for various diseases.
Therefore, researchers recommend a number of steps you can take to lower your BMI, including eating a healthy diet, staying active, reducing stress levels, and getting enough sleep.
What To Do If You Are Obesity
If you are worried about your BMI, try calling your doctor to discuss healthy steps you can take according to your body condition.
In addition, to protect yourself from Covid-19, you must still wear a mask, keep your distance, wash your hands, not travel if you are not urgent, avoid crowds, avoid meeting people in the room, and immediately get the Covid-19 vaccination that is available.
Also read: Age and Obesity Increase the Risk of Covid-19 Patients to Become Super Spreaders
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