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

Thomas

Lost 145lbs

Thomas' success story

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

Listen to Thomas’ testimonial

Nicole

Lost 76lbs

Nicole's success story

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

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Robert

Lost 76lbs

Robert's success story

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

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Samantha

Lost 92lbs

Samantha's success story

I feel like a completely different person.

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

Listen to Samantha’s testimonial

Eileen

Lost 99lbs

Eileen's success story

It saved my life.

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

Listen to Eileen’s testimonial

Brittany

Lost 126lbs

Brittany's success story

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

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Desiree

Lost 157lbs

Desiree's success story

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.

Listen to Desiree’s testimonial

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