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Unravel the distinct effects of adiposity at different life stages on COVID-19 susceptibility and severity: A

Pei Xiao1, Chi Li2, Jinyi Wu3,4

  • 1Center for Non-communicable Disease Management, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.

Journal of Medical Virology
|October 3, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity may increase the risk of COVID-19 hospitalization. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout life is crucial for reducing COVID-19 risks.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • The direct impact of childhood adiposity on later-life COVID-19 risk remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the causal relationship between early-life adiposity and COVID-19 susceptibility and severity.
  • To analyze the genetic links between birth weight, childhood/adulthood adiposity, and COVID-19 outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) with genetic instruments from genome-wide association studies.
  • Performed univariable and multivariable MR analyses to assess causal estimates.
  • Examined associations between adiposity indicators (BMI, obesity) and COVID-19 outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Childhood BMI and obesity showed initial associations with COVID-19 risk and severity, which diminished after adjusting for adult adiposity.
  • A significant causal effect of childhood obesity on COVID-19 hospitalization was identified (OR 1.08).
  • This association remained robust even after accounting for adult obesity and lifestyle factors.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood obesity has a specific, genetically predicted causal effect on COVID-19 hospitalization risk.
  • Promoting healthy weight management across the lifespan is vital for mitigating COVID-19 risks.

Keywords:
COVID‐19Mendelian randomizationcausal effectchildhood adiposity

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