Mixed
Obesity is positively associated with increased susceptibility to COVID-19 infection, higher disease severity, and increased mortality.
If you have obesity, you are at a significantly higher risk for severe COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. This risk is particularly elevated in younger adults. You should take extra precautions, such as vaccination, masking, and avoiding crowded indoor spaces, and seek medical attention early if you show symptoms. Do not let fear of weight stigma prevent you from seeking care.
Meta-analysis showed obesity was associated with increased COVID-19 infection risk (Odds ratio, OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.41, 2.02)... Obesity was positively associated with COVID-19 mortality (OR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.25) and its severity: admission to intensive care unit (ICU) (OR=2.01 (1.25, 3.23)), and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) use (OR=8.20 (2.10, 31.91)).
Why this rating
Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple cohort studies, though heterogeneity was high.
Source
Increased COVID-19 Infection Susceptibility and Adverse Outcomes Due to Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Xiaomin Sun et al. · Research Square · 2021
DOI 10.21203/rs.3.rs-244649/v1
More from this paper
- The association between obesity and severe COVID-19 outcomes is stronger in younger age groups compared to the elderly.Good
- Government-mandated lockdowns and quarantine measures contribute to weight gain and the development of obesity through reduced physical activity and increased consumption of hyperpalatable foods.Moderate
Related findings · Mixed
- Bariatric surgery (VSG and RYGB) is the most effective and sustainable treatment for obesity, producing marked and sustained weight loss that non-surgical interventions cannot match.Strong
- Severely protein-deficient diets (2–3% energy) induce lean body mass loss and metabolic imbalance, whereas adequate protein intake (0.66 g/kg/d minimum) is a prerequisite for maintaining muscle, bone, and physiological function.Strong
- For patients with Class III obesity (BMI >39.9 kg/m2), metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is significantly more effective than any currently approved medication, with BilioPancreatic Diversion (BPD) showing the highest estimated weight loss.Strong
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