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.