WASHINGTON — Scientists have found that the flu vaccine is less effective for people with excess weight.<br /><br />A study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that vaccinated obese adults have twice the risk of flu or flu-like illnesses compared to vaccinated healthy-weight adults.<br /><br />This is a pretty huge problem, considering two-thirds of the adult population in the U.S. has issues with excess weight.<br /><br />NPR reports that during the 2009 flu outbreak, health experts noticed the infection was worse in individuals who were significantly overweight.<br /><br />The virus grows to higher concentrations and spreads deeper in the lungs.<br /><br />Heavier individuals were also more likely to spread the disease.<br /><br />A University of Maryland study found that more of the virus came out of the exhaled breath of those who were overweight or obese.<br /><br />According to Chapel Hill nutrition professor Melinda Beck, the metabolic shift in people's bodies caused by gaining excess weight affects immune system cells.<br /><br />So although obese people may still make an antibody response, their T-cells aren't functioning, so they can still be infected with the flu despite being vaccinated.<br /><br />Apart from the obese and overweight, elderly people also face the same problem.<br /><br />Because of this, scientists are now working to develop a next-generation flu shot that can address these vulnerabilities, though it has years to go before it's ready.<br /><br />In the meantime, they say people should still continue to get vaccinated, regardless of size or body weight.
