Several year ago I wrote in my short-lived Reassured DMM blog about the link between obesity and dementia and swore I’d do something to lower my risk. But here I am. Although I’ve lost 40 lbs I am still well within the definition of morbid obesity with a BMI of >45.

If I’d dealt with this then, I’d be in far better shape facing coronavirus. Research released today focused on why COVID19 appears to be such a greater risk for obese people. Men are particularly at risk, possibly because they tend to carry their excess weight around their waists. That type of fat is linked to a type of fat that produces a hormone linked to more severe virus. (Not sure if it is excess hormone or not enough that is a problem.)

There is still uncertainty, however, about what is the cause of the problem, or probably what combination of factors is the caue. The virus infects cells by attaching to receptors that are more prevalent on fat cells. Obese people can’t sleep well on their stomachs, which makes part of the normal treatment process impossible. Obese people tend to be in poorer health and are particularly subject to inflammation, which can undermine the body’s defenses.

The obesity rate in the US is 42%, even higher among Black and Hispanic individuals. And I am far above the recommendation of BMI no greater than 30. Check back in 2-1/2 years and we’ll see if I was scared straight this time.

GRAPHIC: PRESENTERMEDIA