Obesity nearly triples long COVID risk for men with high BMI
New findings suggest a strong link between obesity and the risk of long COVID. Men with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher face nearly three times the chance of prolonged symptoms after infection. The study also highlights waist measurements as a key factor in assessing risk levels.
Researchers examined how obesity affects recovery from COVID-19. Their results showed that men classified as obese—with a BMI of 30 or above—were 2.8 times more likely to develop long COVID. This figure aligns with broader observations that excess weight complicates post-viral recovery.
The study further identified central obesity as a significant indicator. A waist-to-height ratio of 0.5 or higher was tied to a 2.18-fold increase in long COVID risk. Unlike BMI, this measurement focuses on fat distribution around the midsection, offering another way to gauge vulnerability. While the findings underscore a clear pattern, the research does not stem from a single dedicated study. Instead, references to obesity and long COVID appeared briefly in a German parliamentary document, without attribution to a specific team or institution.
The data reveals a measurable connection between obesity and long COVID in men. Those with higher BMI or waist-to-height ratios show a markedly elevated risk of persistent symptoms. These observations may help guide public health advice for at-risk groups moving forward.
