Association of obesity with illness severity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study
Recommended Citation
Suresh S, Siddiqui M, Abu Ghanimeh M, Jou J, Simmer S, Mendiratta V, Russell S, Al-Shammari M, Chatfield A, Alsheik E, Dang D, Genaw J, and Zuchelli T. Association of obesity with illness severity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study. Obes Res Clin Pract 2021; 15(2):172-176.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2021
Publication Title
Obes Res Clin Pract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although recent studies have shown an association between obesity and adverse coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient outcomes, there is a paucity in large studies focusing on hospitalized patients. We aimed to analyze outcomes associated with obesity in a large cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
METHODS: We performed a retrospective study at a tertiary care health system of adult patients with COVID-19 who were admitted between March 1 and April 30, 2020. Patients were stratified by body mass index (BMI) into obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2) and non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m 2) cohorts. Primary outcomes were mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, intubation, and 30-day readmission.
RESULTS: A total of 1983 patients were included of whom 1031 (51.9%) had obesity and 952 (48.9%) did not have obesity. Patients with obesity were younger (P < 0.001), more likely to be female (P < 0.001) and African American (P < 0.001) compared to patients without obesity. Multivariable logistic models adjusting for differences in age, sex, race, medical comorbidities, and treatment modalities revealed no difference in 60-day mortality and 30-day readmission between obese and non-obese groups. In these models, patients with obesity had increased odds of ICU admission (adjusted OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.07-1.76; P = 0.012) and intubation (adjusted OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.04-1.80; P = 0.026).
CONCLUSIONS: Obesity in patients with COVID-19 is independently associated with increased risk for ICU admission and intubation. Recognizing that obesity impacts morbidity in this manner is crucial for appropriate management of COVID-19 patients.
Medical Subject Headings
Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Body Mass Index; COVID-19; Comorbidity; Female; Hospital Mortality; Hospitalization; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Intubation; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Odds Ratio; Patient Readmission; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; SARS-CoV-2; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Factors
PubMed ID
33653666
Volume
15
Issue
2
First Page
172
Last Page
176
