Do sociodemographic factors play a role in the relation between COVID-19 infection and obesity? Findings from a cross-sectional study in eastern Oslo

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to assess the odds of having COVID-19 according to an individual’s weight status and to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with having COVID-19 in a sample of individuals residing in the eastern districts of Oslo. Subject and methods: This is a cross-sectional study that uses primary survey data collected in six districts of Oslo in June 2021. Chi-square tests are used to test associations between sociodemographic variables and individuals with healthy weight vs overweight/obesity and those who reported having COVID-19 or not. Logistic regression models were computed to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with having COVID-19 (sex, age, educational level, income, employment status, district of residence and having been born in Norway) using body mass index and dichotomic and continuous variable. Results: The percentage of COVID-19 cases was higher in individuals with overweight/obesity (5.9%) than in individuals with healthy weight (5.0%). Being a woman, with overweight/obesity, from a younger age group, unemployed and not having been born in Norway, increases the odds of having COVID-19. Conclusion: More research on the relevance of sociodemographic factors in the association between weight status and COVID-19, together with biological aspects, is needed, to allow the identification and protection of groups at greater risk of infection.