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Is BMI Associated with COVID-19 Severity? A Retrospective Observational Study
Marcello Candelli1, Giulia Pignataro1, Angela Saviano1
1Department of Emergency, Anestesiology and Medicine Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
Current Medicinal Chemistry
|February 6, 2023
Summary
Severe obesity increases the risk of intensive care unit admission for COVID-19 patients. However, body mass index (BMI) was not linked to mortality in this hospitalized patient cohort.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) presents significant morbidity and mortality risks.
- Previous associations between obesity, low body mass index (BMI), and severe COVID-19 require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and COVID-19 disease progression in hospitalized individuals.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective observational study included 1544 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19.
- Patients were categorized into five groups based on BMI.
- Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Severe obesity (BMI > 35 kg/m²) was significantly associated with an increased risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission.
- No significant association was found between BMI categories and in-hospital mortality.
- Analysis adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- Severe obesity is a confirmed risk factor for ICU admission in COVID-19 patients.
- Body mass index (BMI) is not a predictor of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
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