Obesity Nearly Triples Long COVID Risk in Men, Study Finds
A new study has revealed a strong link between obesity and long COVID. Researchers found that men with obesity face nearly three times the risk of developing lasting symptoms after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. The findings come from an analysis of 500 conscripts in Graz, Austria, alongside broader patient data from Los Angeles.
The research team examined how body weight affects recovery from COVID-19. Their study showed that obese individuals were 2.8 times more likely to suffer from long COVID compared to those of healthy weight. The risk remained high even when using different definitions of the condition.
Another key factor was central obesity, measured by the waist-to-height ratio. Men with higher waist measurements had a 2.18 times greater chance of prolonged symptoms. The study combined data from Austrian military recruits and a larger US dataset to confirm these trends. Five separate definitions of long COVID were tested, but the results stayed consistent. The findings suggest that excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, plays a significant role in post-infection complications.
The study highlights a clear connection between obesity and long COVID risk. Men with higher body fat, especially around the waist, face a much greater likelihood of persistent symptoms. These results may help guide future health recommendations for at-risk groups.
