Severe Obesity as an Independent Risk Factor for COVID‐19 Mortality in Hospitalized Patients Younger than 50

Abstract

Objective Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) continues to spread, and younger patients are also being critically affected. This study analyzed obesity as an independent risk factor for mortality in hospitalized patients younger than 50. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed data of patients with COVID‐19 who were hospitalized to a large academic hospital system in New York City between March 1, 2020, and May 17, 2020. Data included demographics, comorbidities, BMI, and smoking status. Obesity groups included the following: BMI of 30 to < 40 kg/m2 and BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2. Multivariable logistic regression models identified variables independently associated with mortality in patients younger and older than 50. Results Overall, 3,406 patients were included; 572 (17.0%) patients were younger than 50. In the younger age group, 60 (10.5%) patients died. In the older age group, 1,076 (38.0%) patients died. For the younger population, BMI ≥ 40 was independently associated with mortality (adjusted odds ratio 5.1; 95% CI: 2.3‐11.1). For the older population, BMI ≥ 40 was also independently associated with mortality to a lesser extent (adjusted odds ratio 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2‐2.3). Conclusions This study demonstrates that hospitalized patients younger than 50 with severe obesity are more likely to die of COVID‐19. This is particularly relevant in the Western world, where obesity rates are high.

Predictive value of CT in the short-term mortality of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia in nonelderly patients: A case-control study

“…Obesity has been reported as an independent risk and prognostic factor for the disease severity and the requirement of advanced medical care in COVID-19 [ 18 ]. Klang et al concluded that morbid obesity is an independent risk factor for mortality of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients under the age of 50 years [ 19 ], the same age range as our study. Obesity can restrict ventilation by impeding diaphragm excursion and reducing protective cardiorespiratory reserve.…”

Risk Factors for Hospitalization, Mechanical Ventilation, or Death Among 10 131 US Veterans With SARS-CoV-2 Infection

“…Risk factors that have been identified in prior studies include older age, male sex, hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiac disease, liver disease, chronic kidney disease, neurologic disorders, cancer, obesity, higher overall burden of comorbidity, and smoking. 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 …”

“…Multiple risk factors for developing severe COVID-19 disease have been reported, including sociodemographic factors and comorbid conditions. 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 However, most prior studies, particularly those published earlier in the course of the pandemic, did not include multivariable adjustment to identify independent risk factors, and few studies examined a range of different disease outcomes, including hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and death. Most prior studies have been local or regional, rather than national, in scope.…”

Correlation Between COVID-19 Severity, Body Mass Index and Hepatic Steatosis: A Retrograde Cohort Study

“…Several reports indicate that obesity may be a very signi cant consideration in younger people [32][33][34] . A report of 3,615 New York patients revealed that obesity was strongly correlated with hospital and ICU admittance for patients under 60 years of age 32 .…”