Research

Connection Between Health Crises

Obesity linked with higher risk for COVID-19 complications

Body Mass Index CHart

Obesity linked with higher risk for COVID-19 complications

Anew study led by CarolinaOpens in new windowhighlights the heightened risks for COVID-19 patients with obesity and raises concerns about the impact of obesity on the effectiveness of a future vaccine.

This study was conducted by a team of researchers at theUNC Gillings School of Global Public HealthOpens in new windowin collaboration with a World Bank health and nutrition specialist and was later published in Obesity Reviews.

“We are not saying that the vaccine will be ineffective in populations with obesity, but rather that obesity should be considered as a modifying factor to be considered for vaccine testing,” said co-authorMelinda BeckOpens in new window, professor of nutrition at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. “Even a less protective vaccine will still offer some level of immunity.”

Working from home, limiting social visits and a reduction in everyday activities — all in an effort to stop the spread of the virus — means we’re moving less than ever, said lead authorBarry PopkinOpens in new window, a professor in the department of nutrition and member of theCarolina Population CenterOpens in new window.

“Given the significant threat COVID-19 represents to individuals with obesity, healthy food policies can play a supportive — and especially important — role in the mitigation of COVID-19 mortality and morbidity,” said Popkin.

Read the complete Carolina Story…Opens in new window

UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health

    Readers Also Viewed...

    Rebecca Fry leans agains a shelf in the Fry Lab.
    Faculty Support

    Angling for Solutions

    Rebecca Fry’s lab is one of the first to study the effects of prenatal exposure to toxic metals as it relates to the epigenome.

    Portrait of Dean Nancy Messionnier
    Faculty Support

    Honored for Advancement of Medical Sciences

    Dean Nancy Messonnier inducted into the National Academy of Medicine

    Elderly women participate in an exercise class
    Health

    Moving Toward Better Cognition

    New project seeks to pilot greater physical activity for older adults

    Health

    Showing Teens the Real Cost

    Carolina researchers find that Real Cost anti-vaping ads are effective at discouraging youth from vaping

    Portrait of Danyu Lin
    Research

    Crucial Study for Child COVID

    New research makes the case for children’s COVID boosters

    A doctor performs a sonograph
    Global Impact

    Making Ultrasounds Universal

    Using the power of artificial intelligence to improve maternal health worldwide