Body mass index and postoperative independence: a reply

Q: What does this research mean for the field?

Patients with a body mass index at the lower end of the normal range (18.5–22 kg/m2) have an increased absolute risk of adverse hospital discharge (18%) compared to those with a BMI of 22.1–25 kg/m2 (14%) following non-cardiac surgery. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

Annika Bald; Matthias Eikermann; Daniel Thomas‐Rueddel

doi:10.1111/anae.70149

February 5, 2026AnaesthesiaOpen Access

Body mass index and postoperative independence: a reply

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Why the study?

How does body mass index affect recovery to independent living (mortality and discharge to a nursing facility) after non-cardiac surgery?

Key Points

Patients with BMI below 22 kg/m² experienced an absolute risk of 18% for adverse hospital discharge, highlighting significant postoperative risks.
The risk of mortality appeared higher in patients with BMI over 40 kg/m², reinforcing the U-shaped relationship with outcomes post-surgery.
Observational analysis revealed overlaps in 95% confidence intervals for risk ratios across differing BMI categories, prompting further discussion.
Future research should consider enhanced pre-operative assessments for patients at lower BMI ranges, targeting improved recovery and outcomes.

Structured PICO

How does body mass index affect recovery to independent living (mortality and discharge to a nursing facility) after non-cardiac surgery?

P

Population

Patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery

I

Intervention

Body mass index (BMI) categories

C

Comparator

Different BMI categories (e.g., BMI 18.5-22 kg/m2 vs 22.1-25 kg/m2)

O

Outcome

Composite endpoint of mortality and discharge to a nursing facilitycomposite

Implication

Both low-normal (BMI 18.5-22) and high (BMI > 40) body mass index are associated with increased risk of adverse discharge outcomes after non-cardiac surgery.

Abstract

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Cite This Study

Bald et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69a76762badf0bb9e87e0b07 https://doi.org/10.1111/anae.70149

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Body mass index and postoperative independence: a reply

Key Points

Structured PICO

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Body mass index and postoperative independence: a reply

Key Points

Structured PICO

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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