Association of obesity with severe outcomes among older and younger adult patients with COVID-19 infection: Retrospective cohort study
- Author:
Donnah Bless L. Mosqueda
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: SARS-CoV-2; Body Mass Index; Immunity; Critical Care
- From: Southern Philippines Medical Center Journal of Health Care Services 2024;10(1):1-
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
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Abstract:
Background:The association of obesity with adverse COVID-19 outcomes is known, but unexplored in younger adults.
Objective:To determine the association of obesity [body mass index (BMI) of ≥30] with severe COVID-19 outcomes in younger and older adults.
Design:Retrospective cohort study.
Participants:391 patients with COVID-19 (226 younger adults aged 18-60 years, and 165 older adults aged >60 years).
Setting:Southern Philippines Medical Center, Davao City, January 2021 to September 2021.
Main outcome measures:Severe COVID-19 outcomes (high-flow oxygen administration, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, death); odds ratio of severe outcomes in patients with BMI of ≥30.
Main results:Of 391 patients (median age of 57 years), 286 had a BMI of <30, while 105 had a BMI of ≥30. Univariate regression analysis showed that a BMI of ≥30 was significantly associated with any severe COVID-19 outcomes (OR=2.68; 95% CI 1.68 to 4.27; p<0.001). This remained after adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (adjusted OR=3.19; 95% CI 1.93 to 5.27; p<0.001). A BMI of ≥30 was also significantly associated with any severe outcomes among younger adults (adjusted OR=4.04; 95% CI 2.23 to 7.32; p<0.001), but not among older adults (adjusted OR=1.80; 95% CI 0.70 to 4.64; p=0.227).
Conclusion:In our study, among all adults, a BMI of ≥30 significantly increased the odds of experiencing any severe COVID-19 outcomes. This association was also observed in the younger adult subgroup, but not in the older adult subgroup.
