New Research Draws A Possible link Between H1N1 And
Obesity
Reported November 04, 2009
In Health Watch: New research is drawing a possible link between H1N1 and
obesity. Elizabeth Sanchez reports from Los Angeles... where a study found many
of those hospitalized with severe swine flu are overweight. New research finds
that obese people may be at higher risk for complications from H1N1.A new study
of swine flu hospitalizations and deaths in California found that of 268 adults
more than half were obese. 67 were morbidly obese. Dr. Jennifer Ashton says, 'we
have seen anecdotally a high percentage of people with obesity being
affected. With that extra weight comes higher risk for many conditions including
diabetes, pulmonary or lung conditions and cardiovascular disease. And the latest
JAMA study found that two thirds of the obese patients had underlying
conditions. Dr. Ashton says, 'all of those can stack the deck against the patient
should they become critically ill with H1N1.Obesity has never been considered a
risk factor for severe seasonal influenza. experts say this year's swine flu is
the first time they're seeing this possible trend. It's estimated that two thirds
of the nation is overweight. This new study raises a flag .. When a person is
carrying too many pounds...H1N1 could be more dangerous.
Source : CBS News, Los Angeles. |