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General Health

Obesity and Infection Risk: How Are They Linked?

A strong immune system is key to helping the body cope with viruses and other germs. Long-term conditions can weaken the body's defences and make it more vulnerable to health problems. Obesity is also one of the factors that can make infections take a worse course.

Obesity can lead to metabolic syndrome. This occurs in people who are overweight and have a large waist, and it is an early sign of many health problems such as heart and circulation disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. People with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart or kidney disease, and people with obesity, are seen as being at greater risk from infections.

People with severe obesity (a BMI of 40 kg/m² or more) in particular carry a higher risk because of their related conditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the US health authorities (CDC) added obesity to the list of risk factors for severe illness. With marked obesity, the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome, a serious complication of respiratory infections, is among the risks that rise.

How obesity affects the lungs

Excess weight can have a clear effect on how well the lungs work. The extra weight around the abdomen can press on the chest and make it harder for the diaphragm to move and the lungs to expand. This makes breathing harder work. It can contribute to lower oxygen levels in the blood, which make the symptoms of a respiratory infection worse.

Chronic inflammation and immune defence

Obesity goes hand in hand with chronic inflammation in the body, which can disrupt the immune response. This can make it harder for the body to fight germs effectively.

Challenges of treatment in hospital

In settings that are not equipped for people with obesity, extra difficulties can arise:

  • Some scanning equipment has weight limits, so imaging cannot always be used.
  • Intubation (placing a breathing tube) in intensive care can be more difficult.
  • Larger beds and special transport equipment may be needed.

Exercise, eating and emotional wellbeing

Less physical activity and more time at home can lead to eating more, for example out of boredom. People with obesity also often need psychological support; emotional eating can occur during stressful times.

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Prof. Dr. Emin Ersoy · General Surgery
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