People with excess weight were more likely to experience long-term neurological and mental health symptoms after COVID-19, new research has found.
ECU Centre of Precision Health visiting PhD scholar Debora Barbosa Ronca found set out to build on our current understanding of obesity and long COVID
Her study was initiated at the University of Brasília, with analysis carried out and completed at ECU.
Excess weight had already been associated with the development of long COVID, and this study has shown those with excess weight who experience long COVID are more likely experience related headaches, vertigo, smell and taste disorders, sleep disturbance, and depression.
“We anticipated some level of association between excess weight and post-COVID-19 symptoms based on prior evidence linking obesity with worse COVID-19 long-term outcomes,” Ms Ronca said.
“What stood out was the consistency of findings across a wide range of neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms – including memory problems, depression, sleep disturbances, and sensory impairments.”
The mechanics behind the negative association between excess weight and long COVID are yet to be confirmed, but Ms Ronca noted it could be linked to an exaggerated inflammatory response predisposed by excess fatty tissue in the body.
She suggests fat tissue may help the SARS-CoV-2 virus enter the body and may store the virus, allowing it to spread.
Some studies have shown that long COVID symptoms could persist for 12 months or longer, necessitating the need for long-term medical interventions.
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“These symptoms of long COVID can significantly impact quality of life and may linger for months. As we face overlapping public health challenges in the post-pandemic era, such as long COVID, mental health issues, and rising rates of obesity, it’s essential to develop personalised and multidisciplinary care strategies to better support affected individuals,” Ms Ronca said.
“Physicians and healthcare professionals should be aware that individuals with excess weight may be at higher risk of experiencing long-term neurological and mental health symptoms following COVID-19.
“This population may require closer monitoring and multidisciplinary care approaches. Integrating concomitant weight management, mental health support, and rehabilitation into post-COVID care plans could improve patient outcomes.”
RACGP Vice President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman said the research was another step forward in understanding more about long COVID, which continues to significantly impact many patients.
“Studies are showing that long COVID symptoms are persisting for 12 months or longer, and it must be taken seriously,” she said.
“GPs are doing a great job helping patients with this serious condition, and we’ll continue to stay on top of the latest evidence and provide the most up-to-date care possible.
“There are concrete steps that can and should be taken to accelerate that process. An analysis of the challenges of diagnosing and managing long COVID found GPs need accurate information and clear definitions to diagnose and manage this condition.”
The RACGP has been calling for funding for continuously updated “living guidelines” so GPs always have the latest evidence-based guidance at hand.
“There is so much evidence being published, and we need to know which findings to apply and put into practice,” Dr Raman said.
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