Obesity increases the risk of infection by 70% and accounts for 1 in 10 deaths worldwide

Individuals with obesity have an approximately 70% higher risk of severe infectious diseases, including influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, and gastroenteritis, according to a new international study published in The Lancet. This was reported by Euronews. According to the analysis, approximately one in ten infection-related deaths worldwide can be associated with obesity.

The study covers data from over 67,000 people in Finland and more than 470,000 participants from the UK Biobank, followed for an average of 13 to 14 years. Participants were classified according to body mass index (BMI) as having normal weight, overweight, or obesity.

The results indicate that the risk of hospitalization or death due to infectious disease increases in parallel with body weight. For individuals with severe obesity, the risk is approximately three times higher compared to those with a normal weight.

Researchers suggest that obesity may weaken the body’s immune defense against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens, leading to more severe infections. However, they emphasize that further studies are needed to clarify the exact biological mechanisms.

Based on global data, scientists estimate that between 9% and 11% of deaths resulting from infectious diseases could be prevented in the absence of obesity. This proportion varies significantly between countries—it is highest in the US, where approximately one-quarter of infection-related deaths are linked to obesity.

According to experts, as the prevalence of obesity grows globally, hospitalizations and mortality from infectious diseases are also expected to increase, highlighting the need for policies that promote healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management.