Posted: 27/05/2021
The World Gastroenterology Organisation designates each 29 May as World Digestive Health Day. The aim of the day is to raise awareness of a particular disease or disorder, and this year’s theme is ‘Obesity: An Ongoing Pandemic’. This theme focuses on the dangers of comorbidities related to obesity, which is particularly timely given the link between obesity and Covid-19.
As most people are aware, the word ‘obese’ means very overweight. It is often calculated by reference to body mass index (BMI). A BMI of 30 or above suggests that a person may be obese, although this can vary as, for example, very muscular people may have a high BMI but low body fat. Waist measurement can also be indicative; a waist circumference of over 94cm for men or 80cm for women is understood to increase the risk of weight-related illnesses.
Obesity is very common in the UK and is said to affect around a quarter of people, while almost two thirds of the population is overweight. As well as making life more difficult for the obese person, obesity also puts a strain on the healthcare system as it can increase the risks of serious conditions such as strokes, heart disease, some cancers, reduced fertility, osteoarthritis, digestive problems, asthma, liver disease, kidney disease, sleep apnoea and Type 2 diabetes. It is therefore not surprising that obesity reduces life expectancy.
The NHS recommends that the best way to manage weight is to exercise regularly and to eat a healthy diet. If lifestyle changes do not help, GPs can prescribe medications and, in some circumstances, weight loss surgery may be recommended.
Public Health England has found consistent evidence that people with Covid-19 who are overweight or obese are at greatly increased risk of serious complications and death.
A number of suggestions have been put forward as to why obesity and Covid-19 may be linked. For example, a heavier thorax (upper body) reduces lung function, which, when combined with Covid-19, may contribute to reducing the levels of oxygen circulating in the body. One study considered whether adipose tissue (tissue which stores fat) is more susceptible to infection than other types of tissue.
Obesity may affect how the immune system responds to infection and how the body copes with its own immune response. Alternatively, it may be that inflammation, which can be induced by obesity, affects the performance of anti-viral treatment. Obese individuals are also at an elevated risk of thrombosis (blood clots), another complication of Covid-19.
Sadly, people living with obesity can sometimes experience discrimination due to their weight and may find that their healthcare is impacted by this. They therefore may be reluctant to seek prompt medical treatment when they become ill, resulting in their illness being more severe when they eventually do reach out to a medical professional.
In response to the correlation between obesity and severe Covid-19, the Government revealed its new obesity strategy in July 2020. The plan focuses on changing the law around advertising and marketing unhealthy food and drinks, and providing more weight management options via the NHS. Although the plan was launched as part of the fight against Covid-19, there will be significant, long-term benefits for both individuals and the healthcare system in the future (when, it is hoped, the Covid-19 pandemic will have come to an end) if the public is encouraged to maintain a healthy weight.
© 2024 Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP.
All rights reserved.
Website design by Frontmedia / Dynamic Pear
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC311575 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 419867.
Return to news headlines 