British News Agency

According to a new study published in Lancet, the likelihood of hospitalization or death from infectious diseases such as the flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, and gastroenteritis increases in obese individuals.

Solja Nyberg, the author of the study from the University of Helsinki, said, "As obesity rates are expected to rise globally, the number of deaths and hospitalizations from obesity-related infectious diseases is also expected to increase."

She also added that, in addition to other health problems associated with obesity, there is an urgent need for policies that support healthy lifestyles and weight loss, including access to affordable healthy food and opportunities for physical activity.

The study analyzed data from more than 67,000 adults in Finland and over 470,000 adults in the UK Biobank dataset to examine the relationship between obesity and serious infectious diseases.

Researchers found that the risk increases steadily with increasing body weight. Those with severe obesity were three times more at risk compared to individuals with a healthy weight.