Are overweight people responsible for most deaths from COVID-19?

More than a year after the start of the pandemic, the healthcare and science communities have identified a number of risk factors that increase the likelihood of complications from COVID-19.

Among them, old age, pre-existing illnesses and overweight or obesity lead the pack in increasing the risk of hospitalization and even death.

A recent report from the World Obesity Federation (WOF) unveiled new links between obesity and COVID-19 outcomes.

Requirement

Shortly after the publication of his findings by WOF, conservative hitman Jack Posobiec embarked on a tweeting frenzy, noting that “studies have now shown that most deaths from the virus are from people Overweight”.

Facts

There is no denying that obesity is a driving force between COVID-19-related mortality and other adverse effects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, it can triple a person’s risk of hospitalization.

The report released by WOF this week found more disturbing news about COVID-19 in relation to weight. Analyzing obesity data from Johns Hopkins University and the WHO’s Global Health Observatory, 2.2 million of the 2.5 million deaths from COVID-19 worldwide reported in February occurred in countries where more than half of the population is classified as overweight.

Data from more than 160 countries shows a linear correlation between a country’s COVID mortality and obesity rate, finding that no country with an obesity rate below 40% has reported a death rate high.

For example, in Vietnam, which has one of the lowest death rates, only about 18 percent of the population is considered overweight.

The United States, on the other hand, has an obesity rate of around 67% and ranks second in death rates from COVID-19 overall, at around 152 deaths per 100,000.

But while the WOF report finds compelling evidence that countries with higher levels of obesity report the most deaths from COVID-19, it doesn’t say the highest number of virus deaths globally. have occurred in overweight people. Rather than looking at the slice of the pie that overweight people make up in overall mortality, the study compares current obesity rates and COVID-19-related death rates.

The authors also recognize that a country’s age structure, relative wealth, and reporting ability all have an impact on COVID-19 cases.

decision

False.

Overweight or obesity is one of the leading causes of complications and death from COVID-19, but there are no figures to indicate that most COVID-related deaths have occurred in this general population.

The report published by WOF found that there were linear correlations between a country’s COVID-19 death rate and the proportion of overweight adults. He did not break down the percentage of people around the world who were overweight and also died from COVID-19.