[Articles] Adult obesity and risk of severe infections: a multicohort study with global burden estimates

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Source: The Lancet

Original: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)02474-2/fullt...

Published: 2026-02-09T23:30:01Z

Adult obesity is a significant risk factor for hospitalizations and deaths related to infectious diseases.[1] A study found that obesity increases the risk of serious infectious diseases by 70 percent.[1] Research has shown that obesity increases susceptibility to infections by various pathogens and changes the body's immune functions.[2] Obese adults have a longer viral load and a lower vaccination effect.[2] Approximately one in ten infection-related deaths worldwide can be attributed to obesity.[1] Obesity also increases the risk of admission to intensive care units and the need for intubation for infectious diseases.[2] The severity of infectious diseases in obese persons is exacerbated by biological and social factors associated with obesity.[2]