Obesity as a Risk Factor for COVID-19

Posted on: 4th May, 2020

sasse-surgical-reno-obesity-risk-factor-covid-19

In the midst of the global pandemic, patterns are beginning to emerge, particularly in relation to people who are most at risk of hospitalization and complications. According to the CDC, high-risk individuals include the severely obese — people with a body mass index, or BMI, over 40. It’s a telling inclusion, particularly given current demographic breakdowns on coronavirus. Increasingly, these breakdowns are tracking the BMIs of COVID-19 patients. This is what people need to understand about obesity as a risk factor for COVID-19.

A Uniquely American Factor

From the aging population in Italy to the prevalence of smoking and pollution in China, different countries have unique risk factors in relation to the disease. In the United States, BMI is becoming a major player. The threshold for obesity is 30, and 42% of American adults exceed that number, with 9% falling into the severely obese classification with a BMI of 40 or more.

A recent Newsweek article shares the study from the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, which assessed different factors linked to critical illness and hospitalization with COVID-19. With 4,103 patients who had tested positive for the disease, researchers identified risk factors among those with the most serious outcomes. Nearly 2,000 patients were admitted to the hospital and 650 required intensive care, a ventilator, were discharged to hospice care, or died. While age was the single biggest risk factor among this group, researchers identified obesity, heart failure and chronic kidney disease as common factors among the severe coronavirus cases.

One of the study’s authors notes that obesity increases the amount of inflammation in the body. With severe cases of COVID-19, an inflammation response in the body can create irritation in the lungs. It’s possible that obesity’s tendency to worsen inflammation is a contributing factor to the worst COVID-19 outcomes.

The lowered oxygen levels of someone with severe obesity may also be an explanation. Meanwhile, the World Obesity Federation notes that hospitalization itself poses issues for obese patients, including intubation problems, weight limits on diagnostic machines, and logistical challenges.

It should be noted that as pre-print research, the study has not yet been peer reviewed and the researchers themselves pointed out the limitations to their efforts, including a sample pool from the same health system in New York.

Understanding the Threat

At this time, it’s important for everyone to take necessary precautions to continue flattening the curve. And the science now shows that we need to take extra care of our seniors and those with severe obesity to prevent the spread to these loved ones until we have a proven vaccine.

If this is the incentive you need to find out more about bariatric surgery, Dr. Sasse in Reno, Nevada, can help. Schedule a telemedicine appointment now to find out if you’re a candidate for procedures that will truly change your life.

Similar Recent Posts

  • Is There An Ideal Weight For Bariatric Surgery?

    • ideal-weight-for-bariatric-surgery-nevada-surgical

      One of the most common questions we hear is whether or not there’s an ideal weight for bariatric surgery. It’s a logical question, but there’s no magic number that qualifies you for the procedure. That’s because bariatric surgery isn’t based on your actual weight alone. Instead, it’s based on your body mass index (BMI) and Read More…

  • Can Sacral Neuromodulation Interfere With A Cardiac Pacemaker?

    • SNM-safe-for-people-with-cardiac-pacemakers-nevada-surgical-reno

      A few people have wondered if sacral neuromodulation might interfere with their cardiac pacemaker.  The answer is no; the two are both entirely safe, even when used together, but let me elaborate a bit. Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is considered safe for individuals with cardiac pacemakers because of their key mechanisms and safety measures. Both are Read More…

  • A Nevada Surgical Patient Review Of SNM: A “Miracle!”

    • nevada-surgical-patient-review-of-SNM-a-miracle

      When Glenn L. saw a commercial on television for a revolutionary incontinence treatment, he wasted no time making a phone call and subsequent appointment. At 70 years old, he describes navigating incontinence issues for at least seven years, something his own father had also experienced. “I would have to get up at least five times Read More…

Address
Nevada Surgical
5500 Reno Corporate Drive
Suite 100

Reno, NV 89511
Minimally invasive weight loss surgery experts.info@sassesurgical.com(775) 829-7999
Phone
Office Hours
Monday
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed