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Review
. 2020 Jul-Aug;14(4):295-300.
doi: 10.1016/j.orcp.2020.07.002. Epub 2020 Jul 9.

Obesity and mortality of COVID-19. Meta-analysis

Abdulzahra Hussain  1 , Kamal Mahawar  2 , Zefeng Xia  3 , Wah Yang  4 , Shamsi El-Hasani  5
Affiliations
Review

Obesity and mortality of COVID-19. Meta-analysis

Abdulzahra Hussain et al. Obes Res Clin Pract. 2020 Jul-Aug.

Retraction in

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a global disease with at least 2.8 million people dying each year as a result of being overweight or obese according to the world health organization figures. This paper aims to explore the links between obesity and mortality in COVID-19.

Methods: Electronic search was made for the papers studying obesity as a risk factor for mortality following COVID-19 infection. Three authors independently selected the papers and agreed for final inclusion. The outcomes were the age, gender, body mass index, severe comorbidities, respiratory support and the critical illness related mortality in COVID-19. 572 publications were identified and 42 studies were selected including one unpublished study data. Only 14 studies were selected for quantitative analysis.

Results: All the primary points but the gender are significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality. The age >70, [odd ratio (OR): 0.17, CI; 95%, P-value: <0.00001], gender [OR: 0.89; CI: 95%, P-value: 0.32], BMI > 25 kg/m2 [OR: 3.68, CI: 95%, P-value: <0.003], severe comorbidities [OR: 1.84, CI:95%, P-value: <0.00001], advanced respiratory support [OR: 6.98, CI: 95%, P-value: <0.00001], and critical illness [OR: 2.03, CI: 95%, P-value: <0.00001].

Conclusions: Patients with obesity are at high risk of mortality from COVID-19 infection.

Keywords: Body mass index; COVID-19; Intensive care unit; Mortality; Obesity; Total body weight; World Health Organization.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow diagram.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Mortality among patients age >70 & <70 years.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Mortality according to the gender.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Mortality among patients with BMI > 25 kg/m2 and <25 kg/m2.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Needs for advanced and basic respiratory support among patients with BMI > 25 kg/m2 and <25 kg/m2.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Mortality among patients with and without severe comorbidities.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Critical illness among patients with BMI > 25 kg/m2 and <25 kg/m2.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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