In a new study from Cleveland Clinic, researchers found that among patients with obesity, prior weight loss achieved with bariatric surgery was linked to a 60% lower risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19 infection.
Numerous studies have established obesity as a major risk factor for developing serious illness from an infection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Obesity weakens the immune system, creates a chronic inflammatory state, and increases the risk for cardiovascular disease, blood clots, and lung conditions. All of these conditions can complicate COVID-19.
In the study, the team tested a total of 20,212 adult patients with obesity. A group of 5,053 patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or greater had weight-loss surgery between 2004 and 2017.
Compared with those in the non-surgical group, patients who had bariatric surgery lost 19% more bodyweight prior to March 1, 2020.
The team found participants in the weight-loss surgery group experienced much better outcomes after contracting COVID-19 compared with those in the non-surgical group.
Patients with prior weight loss surgery had a 49% lower risk of hospitalization, 63% lower risk of the need for supplemental oxygen, and 60% lower risk of developing severe COVID-19.
These findings show that patients with obesity who achieved substantial and sustained weight loss with bariatric surgery prior to a COVID-19 infection reduced their risk of developing severe illness.
The study provides strong evidence that obesity is a modifiable risk factor for COVID-19 that can be improved through a successful weight-loss intervention.
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The study is published in the journal JAMA Surgery. One author of the study is Ali Aminian, M.D.
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