Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

May 1, 2020

Obesity could shift severe COVID-19 disease to younger ages

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  • Kass et al. suggest that in populations with high prevalence of obesity, COVID-19 will affect younger populations more than previously reported. Among 265 patients admitted to ICU at 6 university hospitals across the U.S., there was a significant inverse correlation between age and BMI, such that younger individuals admitted to hospital were more likely to be obese. This is particularly relevant in the US because the prevalence of obesity is ~40% (compared to 6% in China and 20% in Italy).

Kass et al. (Apr 30, 2020). Obesity could shift severe COVID-19 disease to younger ages. Lancet. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31024-2