Association Between Obesity and Post-COVID-19 Condition in Military Conscripts, 2026, Domanyi et al.

Chandelier

Senior Member (Voting Rights)
Association Between Obesity and Post-COVID-19 Condition in Military Conscripts

Domanyi, Reinhard; Maitz, Emanuel; Andrianakis, Alexandros

Abstract​

Objectives: Obesity has been suggested as a possible risk factor for the post-COVID-19 condition, but most studies rely only on body mass index (BMI), which does not reflect body fat distribution.
Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a simple anthropometric indicator of central obesity and a practical proxy for body fat distribution, yet it has not been studied in relation to the post-COVID-19 condition.
This study aimed to examine whether obesity, measured by BMI and WHtR, is associated with the post-COVID-19 condition.

Results: Of the 376 participants who had previously experienced COVID-19, 82 (21%) experienced the post-COVID-19 condition. Obesity (BMI ≥ 30) was more common among those with the post-COVID-19 condition than those without (15% vs. 5%).
BMI-defined obesity was associated with higher odds of the post-COVID-19 condition (OR 2.80, 95%CI 1.25–6.24).
Central obesity was also more frequent in the post-COVID-19 condition (26% vs. 14%) and was linked to increased odds as well (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.20–3.97).

Conclusions: Both BMI-defined obesity and central obesity were associated with the post-COVID-19 condition.
While WHtR does not directly quantify body fat distribution, it represents a simple and feasible anthropometric indicator.
Therefore, it may be an additional useful tool for identifying individuals at higher risk of prolonged symptoms after COVID-19 infection.

Web | DOI | PMC | PDF | Journal of Clinical Medicine
 
It would be potentially interesting to compare waist-to-height ratios before and after infection, in a physically active population like this one - less likely to be putting on extra belly fat from being sedentary, so it might line up with results being found elsewhere regarding changes in fat metabolism?
 
Back
Top Bottom