Overweight people are less likely to survive the coronavirus than thinner folk, a study led by the University of Edinburgh has found. 

Scientists analysed data relating to 17,000 Covid-19 cases in the UK and found that obesity increases the risk of death.

It's thought that "reduced lung function and inflamed tissue under the skin and around internal organs" means fatter people face a higher chance of being killed by the coronavirus. 

These factors can trigger a life-threatening over-reaction of the body’s immune response, the study suggested.

Fat men are particularly at risk because males are known to be more likely to suffer a serious case of Covid-19. 

Dr Annemarie Docherty of the University of Edinburgh, who co-led the data analysis, said: “Hard data cannot convey the human story of individuals and their loved ones who have suffered, changed or sadly passed due to COVID-19.

"Yet with every contribution to this important study, patients and their carers, with the assistance of dedicated researchers, have struck a blow in the fight to curb this pandemic.”

The analysis is based on information gathered by 2,500 research nurses and medical students in 166 hospitals and is the largest study of its kind outside of China, where the coronavirus first emerged.

A similar trend has not been identified in China, because it is thought that fewer Chinese people are obese.

The results of the study have been shared with the UK Government as well as the World Health Organisation. They are now being compared with data from other countries around the world.

It has already known that Covid-19 can be more severe in older people and people with chronic heart, lung, or kidney disease.

Coronavirus victims who have cancer, diabetes or a weakened immune system also face a higher risk from the disease. 

However, less is known about how the virus affects people with other underlying health conditions, including obesity.

Dr Kenneth Baillie, also of the University of Edinburgh, said: "Gathering this information took tremendous dedication and effort from thousands of research staff across the UK.

"Together they have created an open resource that will be used by scientists across the world to better understand this new disease."

The study also involved researchers at two other universities. 

Professor Calum Semple from the University of Liverpool said: "One in three people admitted to a UK hospital with Covid-19 has taken part and their contribution has been critical.

"We must do everything possible to understand this disease, so we are better prepared for the next wave of this pandemic.”

Professor Peter Openshaw, who works at Imperial College London, added: “This study has collected so much data at such great speed. We really appreciate that people risked their lives to collect material for this study.

"It highlights crucial questions that researchers, healthcare professionals and patients need answers to.”