Obesity as a COVID-19 Risk Factor [COVID-19 and Physical Activity Series]

Obesity in Patients Younger than 60 years as a Risk Factor for COVID-19 Hospital Admission is a retrospective analysis of BMI, by age, in positive, symptomatic hospital patients.  Previous studies have demonstrated that the risk factors associated with COVID-19 disease severity include increased age, diabetes, immunosuppression and organ failure.  Dr. Lighter and co-authors found a significant difference in admission to acute and critical care in patients younger than 60 years with varying BMIs.  Patients with a BMI over 30 were 2.0 (95% 1.6-2.6, p<0.0001) and 1.8 (95% CI 1.2-2.7, p=0.006) times more likely to be admitted to acute and critical care, respectively, compared to patients with a BMI under 30.  Dr. Lighter and co-authors conclude that obesity in people younger than 60 years is a newly identified epidemiologic risk factor which may contribute to increased morbidity rates experienced in the United States. Though patients aged <60 years are generally considered a lower risk group of Covid-19 disease severity, obesity appears to be a previously unrecognized risk factor for hospital admission and need for critical care. This has important and practical implications, where nearly 40% of adults in the US are obese with a BMI >30.

Lighter, J., Phillips, M., Hochman, S., Sterling, S., Johnson, D., Francois, F., & Stachel, A. (2020). Obesity in patients younger than 60 years is a risk factor for Covid-19 hospital admission. Clin Infect Dis, 9 (10.1093).