A new study has found that obesity may be an important risk factor for infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Researchers analyzed electronic health record data from Mass General Brigham and found that individuals with obesity were 34% more likely to become COVID positive after reported exposure than individuals without obesity.
Obesity is a known risk factor for severe symptoms, but a new study shows that it may also increase risk of infection
"We knew that obesity raises risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes, but we were surprised to find that it also increases the likelihood of catching the virus in the first place," said corresponding author Masanori Aikawa, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences at Brigham and Women's Hospital."This suggests that obesity may play a more significant role in COVID-19 transmission than previously thought.
The authors note that the study relied on self-reported information about potential exposure to the virus, which may not accurately reflect actual exposure, and was conducted in a single health system in Massachusetts, so the results may not be generalizable to other populations.
"Although our study was conducted on pre-vaccine data, numerous studies have shown that vaccines are the most effective and safe way to prevent COVID-19 infection and severe outcomes, regardless of weight or other risk factors," said Aikawa.In addition to Matamalas and Aikawa, Mass General Brigham authors include Sarvesh Chelvanambi, Julius L. Decano, Arda Halu, Diego V. Santinelli-Pestana, Elena Aikawa, and Rajeev Malhotra. Additional authors include Raony F. França.
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