web counter
LEXO PA REKLAMA!

SHKARKO APP

App Store
Google Play

New study: Obesity linked to 70% higher risk of infections worldwide

2026-02-12 07:39:00, Sociale CNA

New study: Obesity linked to 70% higher risk of infections worldwide

Obesity is linked to a 70% higher risk of serious infections and about 1 in 10 people die from infectious disease-related causes related to obesity, according to a new study. 

The study found that people who suffer from obesity are more likely to be hospitalized or die from infectious diseases, including influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia and gastroenteritis, compared to people of normal weight. 

The research was based on data from more than 67,000 adults in Finland and over 470,000 from the UK Biobank, where participants were divided into groups according to body mass index (BMI). People with obesity had a 70% higher risk of hospitalization or death from an infectious disease than adults with a BMI in the normal weight range. 

The study also noted that the higher the BMI, the greater the risk, and individuals with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²) had nearly three times the risk compared to those of normal weight. 

Experts suggest that obesity may damage the immune system, reducing the body's ability to defend itself against bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi, and thus increasing the risk of serious diseases, although further research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms. /CNA





Lajmet e fundit nga