PLoS ONE (Jan 2021)

The association between body mass index and severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A cohort study.

  • Kulapong Jayanama,
  • Sirawat Srichatrapimuk,
  • Kanin Thammavaranucupt,
  • Suppachok Kirdlarp,
  • Supawadee Suppadungsuk,
  • Thananya Wongsinin,
  • Nithita Nanthatanti,
  • Sithakom Phusanti,
  • Dhanesh Pitidhammabhorn,
  • Somnuek Sungkanuparph

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0247023
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 2
p. e0247023

Abstract

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ObjectivesThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a worst pandemic. The clinical characteristics vary from asymptomatic to fatal. This study aims to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) levels and the severity of COVID-19.Methods and study designA cohort study included 147 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 were categorized into 4 groups by BMI levels on admission: ResultsOf the totals, patients having a BMI ConclusionsObesity in patients with COVID-19 was associated with severe pneumonia and adverse outcomes such as AKI, transaminitis and ICU stay. Underweight patients should be closely monitored for AKI. Further studies in body composition are warranted to explore the links between adiposity and COVID-19 pathogenesis.