COVID-19 and Severe Obesity: A Big Problem?

Ann Intern Med. 2020 Nov 17;173(10):840-841. doi: 10.7326/M20-5677. Epub 2020 Aug 12.

Abstract

In their article, Tartof and colleagues reported the association of obesity with COVID-19 outcomes in a large population. The editorialist discusses why the findings of this new study and prior research should put to rest the contention that obesity is common in severe COVID-19 because it is common in the population. Obesity is an important independent risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
  • Betacoronavirus
  • Body Mass Index*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Intratracheal
  • Obesity, Morbid / complications*
  • Obesity, Morbid / epidemiology
  • Pandemics
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / metabolism
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology*
  • Respiration, Artificial
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / virology
  • Risk Factors
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A
  • ACE2 protein, human
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2