Alongside the major concern regarding the spreading of the virus, there is another risk about pre-existing conditions that could increase the risk of grave illness or even death. One of the most serious out of these conditions is obesity, especially severe obesity.
Multiple studies have proved that having a body mass index (BMI) OF 30 or higher can increase the risk of severe illness connected with Covid-19. Ali Aminian, M.D., Director of the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute at Cleveland Clinic, mentions that “in the past six months, we’ve learned that obesity is a major risk factor for the severe forms of COVID-19, which includes hospital admission, need for intensive care, ventilator support and increased mortality.”
