Does weight affect COVID-19 symptoms in individuals with mild forms of COVID-19?

A new study published in Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses indicates that overweight and obesity may also impact symptoms in patients with mild forms of COVID-19

Obesity is associated with severe outcomes among hospitalized individuals with COVID-19. A new study published in Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses indicates that overweight and obesity may also impact symptoms in patients with mild forms of COVID-19.

The study included 522 adults and children who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 as outpatients. Adolescents and adults with overweight or obesity experienced more symptoms, especially respiratory symptoms of cough and shortness of breath, compared with other individuals.

“The data underscore the need to ensure COVID-19 vaccination of individuals with overweight and obesity,” said senior author Pia S. Pannaraj, MD, MPH, of the University of Southern California.

Nearly two-thirds of study participants were with overweight or obesity, reflective of worsening obesity trends in the United States and worldwide. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic’s lockdown on lifestyle behaviors including increase intake of high fat and high caloric diets, increased screen time, and less physical activities may contribute further to the obesity epidemic.

This phenomenon is especially alarming as COVID-19 and its variants continue to circulate. In our predominantly outpatient cohort, COVID-19 infected individuals with OWOB experienced more symptoms, especially respiratory symptoms of cough and shortness of breath, compared with individuals without OWOB. These findings are in line with findings of increased risk of severe outcomes in COVID-19 hospitalized individuals with OWOB, including ICU admission, invasive mechanical ventilation, and death.