Long COVID: Three physical factors that could increase your risk by up to 50%

The World Health Organisation defines long COVID as an illness that occurs within months of the onset of COVID-19. It presents itself in symptoms that cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Some of the common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain and brain fog, which can interfere with a person’s day to day activities.

Researchers have analysed data from nine separate studies to find some of the high risk factors leading to long COVID after the initial COVID infection. As per the findings, one of these important risk factors is having a raised body mass index (BMI).

The researchers analysed data from more than 31,000 participants and found that a higher BMI was associated with greater chances of getting infected with COVID-19.

According to the data, the risk increased by seven percent higher with every 5kg/m increase in BMI. This risk is even higher for getting long COVID - where it increases by 20 percent for every 5kg/m in BMI.

The researchers found that people who were overweight or obese had 20 percent and 36 percent greater chances of developing long COVID.

The studies have found that there is no association of blood sugar levels and diabetes with COVID or long COVID.

Doctor Anika Knuppel, from the MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, at University College London said, “Early in the pandemic research identified diabetes and obesity as risk factors for becoming severely ill with COVID-19. And we know that many people living with type 2 diabetes are also carrying excess weight."

Doctor Knuppel added, “Our early findings support the idea that obesity-related mechanisms may be responsible for the excess risks of COVID-19 associated with diabetes, rather than high blood sugar per se.

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Similar research conducted by King’s College London earlier this year also identified some other health conditions that are linked to COVID-related complications.

The study examined anonymised data from 1.2 million primary health records, involving more than 45,000 participants. They found that pre-existing poor mental health can increase the likelihood of reporting Long COVID by 50 percent. They also found that having asthma was associated with a 32 percent increase in the likelihood of long COVID development.

Another research by the COVID Symptoms Study app has found that if people have multiple early symptoms at the onset of the COVID infection, then their risk of developing long COVID increases by 3.5 times. Those who had more than five symptoms during the first week of their illness were more likely to suffer post-COVID complications, compared to those with fewer symptoms.

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While there is no proper cure for long COVID yet, there are several ways in which you can improve your body’s immune system and overall health, which can aid in relieving your long COVID symptoms. The most important tip is to be kind to yourself during your recovery. Do not rush back to work and expect to have the same energy as before, especially if you are struggling with fatigue or extreme tiredness and weakness.

Take frequent short rests during the day. Eat healthy foods which will nourish your body and mind. These include olive oil, fruits and vegetables, nuts, beans, and whole grains. Keep in touch with your family and friends for support, this will also help to uplift your mood and reduce any stress and anxiety.