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In Young Adults with COVID-19, Obesity Is Associated with Adverse Outcomes
Eric Steinberg1, Ellsworth Wright1, Beth Kushner1
1St. Joseph's Health, Department of Emergency Medicine, Paterson, New Jersey.
The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
|July 30, 2020
Summary
Obesity is an independent risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes in young adults. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 experienced higher rates of mortality, mechanical ventilation, and hospital admission.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Limited data exists on obesity's impact on COVID-19 outcomes in young adults.
- Identifying risk factors for severe COVID-19 is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if obesity is associated with adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients aged 45 and younger.
- To analyze the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and severe COVID-19 manifestations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 210 patients aged 18-45 with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Primary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, and hospital admission.
- Association between outcomes and obesity (BMI >30) was assessed using odds ratios (OR).
Main Results:
- Obesity (BMI >30) was significantly associated with increased mortality (OR = 6.29), mechanical ventilation (OR = 6.01), and hospital admission (OR = 2.61).
- 9% of patients died, 17% required mechanical ventilation, and 45% were admitted to the hospital.
Conclusions:
- Obesity is an independent risk factor for poor COVID-19 outcomes in young adult patients.
- Further research in diverse populations is needed to understand COVID-19's complex factors.
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