Morbid Obesity Linked with Negative Outcomes of COVID-19

Nov, 2020 - By SMI

Obesity is a widespread problem and is linked with negative health outcomes of COVID-19, such as the need for a ventilator.

According to a new study by the research team from The University of Alabama, the prevalence of morbid obesity in people is linked with negative outcomes of COVID-19. The researchers analyzed morbid obesity data and reported COVID-19 (the disease caused by the novel coronavirus) deaths in the United States. The research was published in the World Medical and Health Policy journal. The team found a significant link between morbid obesity and COVID-19 cases and deaths. The results may help identify the resources needed for morbid patients and inform mitigation policies.

An individual is considered morbidly obese if their body weight is over 100 pounds and has a body mass index of 35 or more, or 40 or more, and experience obesity-linked health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Obesity is known to obstruct pulmonary function and increase the risk of respiratory infections. However, there is emerging evidence that obesity is a widespread problem and is linked with negative health outcomes of COVID-19, such as the need for a ventilator. Moreover, obesity-linked conditions seem to worsen the effect of COVID-19; indeed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that people with diabetes and heart disease are at higher risk of COVID-19 complications.

According to the researchers, the outcomes suggest that effective treatment of COVID-19 in areas with large populations will require more resources, as more cases and deaths than the general population should be expected. During this research, the researchers observed some adults aged 18 to 64 years and found that morbid obesity rates are associated with COVID-19 death rates, and the morbid obesity rate may explain 9% of the variation in COVID-19 mortality.  Moreover, the team found that spatial clusters of high rates of COVID-19 deaths are linked with spatial clusters of high rates of morbid obesity.