Overweight Individuals Facing Higher Risk Of Long Covid Disorders

MELBOURNE, (ANI) – A new international study has found that people with excess weight are more likely to suffer long-term neurological and mental health symptoms following Covid-19. These include persistent headaches, vertigo, disturbances in smell and taste, difficulty sleeping, memory problems, and depression.

The study supports growing evidence that excess weight is a significant risk factor not only for acute Covid-19 complications but also for long Covid, or Post-Covid-19 condition, as defined by the World Health Organization. It analyzed data from individuals in 23 countries, underscoring the global relevance of the findings.

While the biological mechanisms behind the link remain under investigation, researchers believe that excess fatty tissue may contribute to an exaggerated inflammatory response in the body. Fat cells may also aid the entry of the virus and serve as a reservoir, allowing the SARS-CoV-2 virus to persist long after the initial infection has cleared.

Symptoms of long Covid can persist for a year or more, leading to a serious decline in quality of life. The findings raise concerns about the compounded effects of long Covid, mental health struggles, and the global obesity epidemic — three public health issues that are increasingly interconnected.

Experts recommend that individuals with excess weight be monitored closely after recovering from Covid-19. Medical professionals are being urged to adopt integrated care strategies that combine weight management, mental health services, and rehabilitation for those experiencing long-term effects.

The study was conducted by visiting PhD scholar Debora Barbosa Ronca at the Edith Cowan University Centre of Precision Health.