A recent study published in Nature Medicine discovered that Covid vaccinations are effective, but obesity is associated with quicker loss of immunity from Covid vaccines in specific groups, such as older individuals and persons with compromised immune systems. 

Several studies have revealed that after Covid immunization, antibody levels in patients with obesity may be lower than in the normal population. Earlier in the pandemic, a team of researchers from the Universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh looked into the influence of obesity on vaccine efficacy over time.

They looked at hospitalizations and fatalities from Covid among 3.5 million individuals who had received two vaccination doses using real-time healthcare data from 5.4 million persons in Scotland. They discovered that those with significant obesity had a 76% higher risk of hospitalization and mortality from Covid following immunization than those with a normal BMI. Following the second immunization, the risk of serious illness from breakthrough infections increased more rapidly in persons with extreme obesity.

The researchers evaluated 28 persons with extreme obesity and assessed their antibody levels, function, and the number of immune cells in their blood after immunization. They discovered that following a booster, antibody activity was restored to that of persons of normal weight, although B cells grew differently in people with obesity in the first few weeks after immunization. 

They observed that antibody levels and function fell more rapidly after the third dosage in persons with significant obesity by repeated measures of immune responses throughout time.

These findings have significant consequences, including the need for more focused measures to prevent obese persons from severe Covid. A 5% weight loss can lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic consequences of obesity, and measures that can lead to a sustained weight loss (such as lifestyle changes, weight loss medicines, and bariatric surgery) could potentially enhance Covid vaccination results.

(Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/obesity-speeds-up-loss-of-immunity-from-covid-19-vaccines-says-new-study-101684143094672.html)