OBESITY AND COVID-19: THE IMPACTS OF EXCESS BODY FAT

As more and more information is uncovered regarding this pandemic, the team at New York Bariatric Group is dedicated to keeping our patients up to date on the newest findings.

Researchers have uncovered that excess body fat could put people at a higher risk for not only catching but developing more severe symptoms, for COVID-19.

RECAP: WHAT WE LEARNED IN OUR PREVIOUS BLOG

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a coronavirus discovered in late 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially classified the outbreak as a pandemic in March 2020. This is a respiratory illness and it is contagious through close contact.

Physicians noted a growing trend in COVID-19 cases—one that impacts over 90 million adults in the United States; obesity, overweight, and weight-related conditions (such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes) lead to increased risk of being hospitalized and dying from COVID-19.

EXCESS BODY FAT AND LEPTIN

Folks who are overweight have more body fat than those with healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) levels. The more body fat someone possesses, the higher their leptin levels are.

What is Leptin? Leptin, sometimes called the “hunger hormone,” is a hormone that is secreted by fat cells in proportion to body fat. Its main function is to regulate appetite and metabolism through signaling to the brain. Most importantly, leptin connects metabolism with the immune response, and elevated leptin is an identifying symptom of obesity. When someone has elevated leptin levels, their immune system can become suppressed. Therefore the formula is quite simple:

MORE FAT = MORE LEPTIN = WORSE IMMUNE RESPONSE

LEPTIN: A RISK FACTOR FOR COVID-19

Body fat and increased leptin levels are putting the population of people with high BMI levels at a unique risk. Elevated leptin levels may result in:

Impaired Lung Defenses
Immune System Defects including Harmful Effects to Immune Response
Proinflammatory Response
Systematic Inflammation in the Body
Reduced Response to Infections
High levels of ACE2 (an enzyme which is used by COVID-19 to enter cells)

REDUCING THE RISK OF COVID-19 WITH WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY

People with elevated leptin levels should be aware of the unique risks associated with this condition. However being aware of the risks is only the first step – the team of experienced medical professionals at New York Bariatric Group is here to support you on the next step; taking action.

Researchers urge doctors to treat folks with high leptin levels like those with a compromised immune system or those in old age. The dedicated surgeons at NYBG are taking this extremely seriously, and are ready and prepared to help those who suffer with weight issues to find relief from not only their struggles with obesity, but to lower their risk of contracting COVID-19.

New York Bariatric Group is implementing and enforcing strict guidelines put out by the Center of Disease Control and the Department of Health in order to keep our staff and patients safe.

We are offering in-person and virtual consultations to ensure that everyone is able to get the information and care they deserve without feeling pressure to leave their home.

COME TO NYBG

When it’s time to start a successful weight-loss journey, it’s time to call NYBG! We’re the best practice around and our numbers prove it:

15 skilled surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics
18,000 successful procedures performed with more every day
The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
24/7 access to online seminars
100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and showcasing previous patients
Multiple offices located in three states; NY, NJ, CT
Since 2000, we boast 20 years of success!

Our commitment to patient success and excellence has earned us accreditation from the Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). This prestigious achievement recognizes only the top bariatric practices. Stop waiting; start achieving better health today. Together, we’ve got this!

Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41366-020-0640-5

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