Updated overview on the interplay between obesity and COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• The global spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a significant health crisis.
• Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between overweight/obesity and COVID-19 severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the scientific literature on the impact of overweight and/or obesity in hospitalized patients with severe or critical COVID-19.
• To synthesize findings on the association between obesity and adverse COVID-19 outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines.
• Keywords used: "obesity" and "COVID-19".
• Selection of 22 articles from over 300 identified, focusing on those reporting risk estimates for obesity and COVID-19 severity.

Main Results:

• A significant association was found between obesity and increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness in most reviewed studies.
• In 79% of studies providing a risk estimate (odd ratio; OR), the OR for obesity and severe disease was >2.
• Obesity was linked to higher rates of intensive care unit admission and death.

Conclusions:

• Increased body mass index is a negative prognostic factor for COVID-19 patients.
• Overweight and obese individuals may require more aggressive prevention and treatment strategies for COVID-19.