Study finds how obesity linked to long Covid

ANI May 11, 2025 319 views

A new study finds obesity significantly increases the risk of long-term neurological and mental health symptoms after Covid-19. Researchers observed consistent links between excess weight and issues like depression, memory problems, and sleep disturbances. The study suggests fat tissue may worsen inflammation and help the virus persist longer in the body. Experts recommend personalized, multidisciplinary care approaches for obese patients recovering from Covid-19.

"We anticipated some level of association between excess weight and post-Covid-19 symptoms... What stood out was the consistency of findings across a wide range of neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms." — Debora Barbosa Ronca
Western Australia, May 11: People with excess weight are more likely to experience long-term neurological and mental health symptoms after Covid-19, including headache, vertigo, smell and taste disorders, sleep disturbance, and depression.

Key Points

1

Obesity heightens risk of long Covid neurological symptoms like headaches and vertigo

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Excess weight may trigger inflammatory responses worsening post-Covid effects

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Fat tissue could help SARS-CoV-2 persist in the body

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Long Covid symptoms can last over a year requiring specialized care

This research is done by Edith Cowan University (ECU) Centre of Precision Health visiting PhD scholar Debora Barbosa Ronca.

"We anticipated some level of association between excess weight and post-Covid-19 symptoms based on prior evidence linking obesity with worse Covid-19 long-term outcomes. What stood out was the consistency of findings across a wide range of neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms -- including memory problems, depression, sleep disturbances, and sensory impairments. While we did not perform subgroup analyses by ethnicity, the inclusion of studies from 23 different countries suggests the global relevance of our findings," said Ronca.

Excess weight has been associated with the development of long Covid or Post-Covid-19 condition, as proposed by the World Health Organization.

While the mechanics behind the negative association between excess weight and long Covid is yet to be confirmed, Ronca noted that it could be linked to an exaggerated inflammatory response predisposed by excess fatty tissue in the body. Moreover, fat tissue helps the SARS-CoV-2 virus enter the body and may store the virus, allowing it to spread.

Some studies have shown that long Covid symptoms could persist for 12 months or longer, necessitating the need for long-term medical interventions.

"These symptoms of long Covid can significantly impact quality of life and may linger for months. As we face overlapping public health challenges in the post-pandemic era, such as long Covid, mental health issues, and rising rates of obesity, it's essential to develop personalised and multidisciplinary care strategies to better support affected individuals," shared Ronca.

"Physicians and healthcare professionals should be aware that individuals with excess weight may be at higher risk of experiencing long-term neurological and mental health symptoms following Covid-19. This population may require closer monitoring and multidisciplinary care approaches. Integrating concomitant weight management, mental health support, and rehabilitation into post-Covids care plans could improve patient outcomes."

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
This is very concerning for India where obesity is rising fast, especially in urban areas. Our traditional diets were healthier but now with more processed foods, we're seeing these health impacts. Government should run awareness campaigns about weight management post-Covid.
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Rahul S.
Interesting study but I wish they included more data from Asian populations. Our body types and fat distribution are different from Westerners. Still, a wake-up call to lose those extra kilos! 💪
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Anjali M.
My uncle had severe Covid last year and still complains about smell/taste issues. He's overweight too. Doctors never connected these dots. This research should be shared with our medical community urgently!
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Vikram P.
While the findings make sense, we shouldn't stigmatize overweight Covid survivors. Many Indians gained weight during lockdowns due to stress and limited movement. The focus should be on compassionate care, not blame.
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Sunita R.
Ayurveda has always emphasized maintaining healthy weight for overall wellbeing. Maybe it's time to combine modern research with our traditional wisdom to tackle long Covid. Turmeric, yoga and balanced diet can help! 🧘‍♀️
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Kiran D.
The government should make weight management programs part of post-Covid care. In a country where healthcare access is limited, preventive measures are crucial. This affects productivity and quality of life for millions.

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Tags:
obesity long Covid neurological symptoms mental health post-Covid effects Debora Barbosa Ronca Edith Cowan University