Obesity & Covid

Studies show that the greatest risk of developing severe COVID-19 and being hospitalized is in patients who are overweight. Approximately 40% of Americans are obese which puts them at a greater risk for chronic inflammation and a weakened immune system, two conditions that are known to worsen COVID-19.

Let’s talk immunity first. The fact that immunity diminishes in patients with obesity is dangerous with COVID for all the obvious reasons. What happens is, fat cells infiltrate organs that make and store immune cells and as a person loses immune tissue it gets replaced with fatty tissue. This makes the immune system less effective at fighting infections and destroying virus-infected cells. Obesity reduces your body’s ability to fight off infections, leaving overweight people the most vulnerable. An impaired immune systems can set you up to not fight off COVID-19 like someone with a stronger immunity.

Secondly, patients with obesity also suffer from chronic inflammation. Inflammation is your body’s first line of defense against toxins, infections and injuries. When you’re living with chronic inflammation, your body’s inflammatory response can eventually start damaging healthy cells, tissues, and organs. When your cells are in distress they release chemicals to alert the immune system. Unfortunately, with chronic inflammation your body is on high alert at all times. This prolonged state of emergency can cause long term damage to your heart, brain and other organs.

People who are overweight are also more likely to suffer from conditions like lung disease, heart disease, chronic kidney disease and diabetes as well metabolic syndrome which leaves you with unhealthy blood sugar, fat levels and high blood pressure. All of these independent conditions put you at a higher risk level for COVID.

It is no question that COVID-19 is more dangerous in patients with obesity. A healthy weight helps fortify the body in the best of times and is even mor critical during a pandemic. Losing weight is likely to have a disproportionate benefit in terms of how well you deal with infections. Making the choice of healthier foods and regular physical activity is a great way to lose weight and prevent obesity. However, in some cases medical treatment such as metabolic and bariatric surgery is an option.

If you’re interested in learning more about Bariatric Surgery in Venice/Sarasota/Lakeland/Brandon/Orlando/Tampa, contact us today.