Key result
Obesity is an independent risk factor for more severe COVID-19 disease, increased need for intensive care, and higher mortality.
Why the study?
Individuals with obesity are in a chronic state of low-grade inflammation and susceptible to severe respiratory failure, raising particular concern during the COVID-19 pandemic amid the cessation of obesity management services.
Does obesity increase the risk of severe disease, ICU admission, and mortality in patients with COVID-19?
Systematic Review (n=8,534,639)
Does obesity increase the risk of severe disease, ICU admission, and mortality in patients with COVID-19?
Obesity is a significant independent risk factor for severe disease, ICU admission, and mortality in patients with COVID-19, highlighting the critical need to safely maintain obesity management services during the pandemic.
Supports maintaining obesity management services during pandemics; confirms independent risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Individuals who are overweight or suffering from obesity are in a chronic state of low-grade inflammation, making them particularly susceptible to developing severe forms of respiratory failure. Studies conducted in past pandemics link obesity with worse health outcomes. This population is thus of particular concern within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the cessation of obesity management services. This systematic review highlights [1] the reciprocal link between the obesity and COVID-19 pandemics, [2] obesity as a risk factor for more severe disease in past pandemics, [3] potential mechanisms that make individual's suffering from obesity more susceptible to severe disease and higher viral load, and [4] the need to safely resume bariatric services as recommended by expert guidelines, in order to mitigate the health outcomes of an already vulnerable population.
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Zakka et al. (2021) conducted a systematic review in COVID-19 and Obesity (n=8,534,639). Obesity vs. Non-obese or lower BMI was evaluated on COVID-19 severity, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and mortality. Obesity is an independent risk factor for more severe COVID-19 disease, increased need for intensive care, and higher mortality.
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