College of Queensland-led analysis exhibits being obese can impair the physique’s antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 an infection however to not the safety supplied by vaccination.

Analysis lead, Faculty of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences PhD candidate Marcus Tong, stated the discovering constructed on the crew’s present analysis on how COVID-19 impacts people who find themselves obese.

We have beforehand proven that being obese – not simply being overweight – will increase the severity of SARS-CoV-2.

However this work exhibits that being obese creates an impaired antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 an infection however to not vaccination.”

Marcus Tong, analysis lead, PhD candidate, Faculty of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, College of Queensland

The analysis crew collected blood samples from individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 and never been reinfected throughout the research interval, roughly 3 months and 13 months post-infection.

“At 3 months post-infection, an elevated BMI was related to diminished antibody ranges,” Mr Tong stated.

“And at 13 months post-infection, an elevated BMI was related to each diminished antibody exercise and a diminished share of the related B cells, a kind of cell that helps construct these COVID-fighting antibodies.”

In distinction, an elevated BMI had no impact on the antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination at roughly 6 months after the second vaccine was administered.

Affiliate Professor Kirsty Quick stated the outcomes ought to assist form well being coverage transferring ahead.

“If an infection is related to an elevated threat of extreme illness and an impaired immune response for the obese, this group has a doubtlessly elevated threat of reinfection,” Dr Quick stated.

“It makes it extra vital than ever for this group to make sure they’re vaccinated.”

Dr Quick stated from a public well being perspective, this information attracts into query insurance policies round boosters and lockdowns.

“We would counsel that extra personalised suggestions are wanted for obese folks, each for ongoing COVID-19 administration and future pandemics,” she stated.

“Lastly, the info offers an added impetus to enhance SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in low-income nations, the place there is a excessive share of people who find themselves obese and are depending on infection-induced immunity.”

The analysis is revealed in Scientific & Translational Immunology.