Even a little extra weight can increase the risk of developing a severe form of COVID-19, particularly in younger adults, suggests a new study.

People with a body mass index above 23 already have a higher risk, as per U.K. researchers. They noted that each one-point rise in BMI heightens the odds of hospitalization by 5% and of intensive-care admission by 10%. The impact was found to be the greatest in those below 40 years of age, and the risks were increased among Black people compared to other ethnic groups, noted researchers after evaluating the health records of nearly 7 million people in England. The findings were published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology… (NDTV – Bloomberg, April 30, 2021)