Experts warn: being very overweight increases the risk of Covid 19

Warn experts
“The heavier a person, the higher the risk of dying from Covid-19”

“The heavier a person, the higher the risk of dying from Covid-19”

© Sebastian Gollnow / DPA

People with certain pre-existing conditions are at an increased risk of developing serious Covid-19. The German Obesity Society warns: People who are very overweight are also affected.

According to experts, very overweight people have an increased risk of complications from a corona infection, even at a younger age. “The heavier a person, the higher the risk of dying from Covid-19. We see that in the scientific data, especially in adults between 40 and 60 years of age,” said the President of the German Obesity Society (DAG), Jens Aberle , in a message. The reasons for the connection have not yet been clearly clarified. The specialist society advises those who have not been vaccinated in the group to get a corona vaccination as quickly as possible or those who have already been vaccinated to get a quick booster.

Risk factors for severe gradients

According to the DAG, people with obesity have a two-fold increased risk of hospitalization in the event of Covid-19 disease. The Standing Vaccination Commission includes people with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30. The BMI is calculated from body height and weight. The German Obesity Society emphasized that those affected are often not aware of the increased risk of complications in the case of a corona infection – as is the importance of immune protection.

According to data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), around one in four adults in Germany is affected by obesity, i.e. seriously overweight – women (24 percent) a little more often than men (23 percent). According to the RKI, other risk factors for a severe course of Covid include advanced age, male gender and certain previous illnesses such as high blood pressure, cancer, lung diseases or diabetes. In principle, however, severe courses can also occur in people without a known previous illness and in younger patients, writes the RKI.

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