Obesity Predisposes To Influenza Infection
Author: Joe Fowler
Time for reading: ~0
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Being overweight and the accompanying complications reduce the body's immune system and reduce its ability to fight the viruses that attack it ...
Researchers from the University of North Carolina have found that obesity may be one of the factors predisposing to influenza virus infection. According to the authors of the study, being overweight and the accompanying complication significantly reduce the body's immune system and reduce its ability to fight the viruses that attack it, including influenza.
To test their theory, the researchers conducted an experimental study with laboratory mice, some of which were overweight. Both groups of laboratory animals were infected with a mild influenza virus.
After complete recovery, the mice were re-infected with the same influenza strain, which, however, was slightly stronger. The results clearly showed the existence of a link between body weight and the susceptibility of the immune system to the attack of viruses. ¼ from obese mice died, while from the normal weight group, all recovered without lasting consequences.
Scientists believe that excess weight greatly reduces immunity and makes the body susceptible to all kinds of viral infections.
The authors of the study explain that because of the extra pounds, the immune system "does not remember" how it fought the previous clashes with the infection.