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Beware of The Five Risk Factors for Developing Severe Covid-19 Complications

Older people and those with one or more underlying health conditions are said to be prone to developing serious complications from COVID-19. Here are five risk factors linked to covid-19 severity.

Written by Longjam Dineshwori | Updated : October 13, 2021 11:46 AM IST

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Who Are At Risk Of Developing Severe Covid-19?

Risk Factors for Covid-19 Severity

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Being Overweight

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal revealed that being overweight may increase your risk of worse outcomes from COVID-19, including higher ICU admissions. According to the authors from the University of Oxford in the UK, the risk of worse outcomes from COVID-19 start rising in people with a BMI above 23 kilogrammes per square metre (kg/m2), which is considered to be in the healthy range. For each one unit increase in BMI, the risk of hospitalisation increases by 5 per cent higher and the risk of ICU admission by 10 per cent, they said.  Also Read - Vajrasana Health Benefits: Top 7 Amazing Health Advantages of Starting Your Day With Thunderbolt Yoga Pose

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Being Underweight

People who are underweight (BMI less than 18.5) are also at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19, the same Lancet study noted. Previous studies have also linked being underweight to higher rates of hospitalization and death. In a study published last month, researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) described having a very high or very low BMI as a strong risk factor for more severe cases of COVID-19.

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Having Diabetes

Several studies have indicated that people with diabetes are more likely to have more severe symptoms and complications from COVID-19, when infected with the virus. Having heart disease or other conditions along diabetes could further worsen the severity of Covid-19. So, keep your diabetes well-managed to reduce your risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.  Also Read - Red Rice For Lowering Cholesterol Naturally: 9 Amazing Health Benefits of Adding Red Rice To Weight Loss Diet

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Pregnancy

Pregnancy is also believed to be a risk factor for severe COVID-19. Preliminary findings from a National Institutes of Health study also suggested pregnant women who experienced severe symptoms of COVID-19 may be at higher risk for cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and preterm birth.

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Cancer Treatment

According to a study published in the journal EBioMedicine, children and young adults undergoing cancer treatment are likely to experience a prolonged Covid-19 infection, testing positive for months, due to their compromised immune systems. A previous study published in the International Journal of Clinical Oncology also found more severe Covid-19 infection and significantly higher mortality in cancer patients compared to non-cancer patients.  Also Read - Turmeric Tea On Empty Stomach For Clogged Kidney Nephrons: 7 Ways Drinking Haldi Chai Can Help Cleanse Blocked Kidneys