COVID “Long Haulers” is being seen more often in patients who are obese, concerning medical experts. A current study suggests that patients from moderate to severe obesity are at a greater risk of developing long-term complications of COVID beyond the acute phase. Obesity can lead to the development of severe infection or death.
The study included well over 2,500 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 in the Cleveland Clinic Health system between March and July 2020. Doctors looked for indicators of possible long-term complications over the past thirty days.
The risk of hospital admission was 28% higher in patients with moderate obesity and 30% higher in those with a severe 40% or more BMI.