Dengue in obese children is more likely to result in hospitalisation, study finds

A recent study conducted in Sri Lanka sheds light on a potential danger for children infected with dengue fever: obesity. Researchers investigated the relationship between a child's weight and their likelihood of requiring hospitalisation due to dengue.

Bengaluru is currently in the grips of a major dengue surge, with over 1,000 cases reported within the first 20 days of June. Altogether, the city has recorded nearly 4,000 cases so far this year, which is a lot higher than last year’s numbers in the corresponding period. While the state’s health department is taking proactive measures to cope with the situation, every bit of new information we learn about the dengue virus is crucial.

READ: Bengaluru on dengue alert: City reports over 1,000 cases in 20 days; BBPM Chief falls prey to disease

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. While obesity and diabetes are known risk factors for more severe dengue in adults, the impact on children wasn't fully understood previously.

The Sri Lankan and UK-based study involved nearly 5,000 children aged 10-18 from nine districts in Sri Lanka. Researchers examined past hospitalizations for dengue and the children's body mass index (BMI) percentile, which uses growth charts to show a child's weight relative to their age and sex.

Interestingly, while the chance of contracting dengue was similar across all weight groups, the risk of hospitalisation due to dengue was significantly higher for overweight or obese children. Compared to children with a normal BMI, those in the highest weight percentile (>97th) were more than twice as likely to require hospitalisation for dengue. Even children considered slightly overweight (50th to 85th percentile) faced a slightly increased risk.

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These findings highlight the potential dangers of obesity for children infected with dengue. The researchers emphasise the need for further studies to solidify this link and to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the risk of severe dengue complications.

This information is particularly important as childhood obesity rates rise globally. By understanding the connection between weight and dengue severity, parents and healthcare providers can work together to promote healthy lifestyles and minimise the risk of serious illness in children.