'In countries where less than half
of the adult population is considered overweight, the risk of
death from COVID-19 is around one-tenth of countries with the higher
proportion of overweight adults.'
By Tyler Durden: A new report by the World Obesity Federation found that 88% of deaths in the first year of the pandemic occurred in countries where over half of the population is classified as overweight - which is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) above 25. Of note, BMI values above 30 - considered obese - are associated with 'particularly severe outcomes,' according to the Washington Post.
On the other hand, in countries where less than half of the adult population is considered overweight, the risk of death from COVID-19 is around one-tenth of countries with the higher proportion of overweight adults. Higher BMIs are also associated with an increased risk of hospitalization, ICU admissions, and the need for mechanically assisted ventilation.