The effect of BMI on COVID-19 outcomes among older patients in South Korea: a nationwide retrospective cohort study*
Yongtak Cho, Yongil Cho, Hyuk Joong Choi, Heekyung Lee, Tae Ho Lim, Hyunggoo Kang, Byuk Sung Ko, Jaehoon Oh
Abstract
Underweight was associated with an increased risk of death, and overweight was related to lower risks of severe infection and death in older COVID-19 patients in Korea. However, this study was limited by the lack of availability of some information, including smoking status.KEY MESSAGESUnderweight is an independent risk factor of death in older COVID-19 patients.Overweight patients have a lower risk of death and severe infection than normal-weight patients.
Topics & Concepts
Retrospective cohort studyMedicineCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Body mass indexCohortObesityGerontologyCohort study2019-20 coronavirus outbreakDemographyInternal medicineDiseaseVirologyOutbreakInfectious disease (medical specialty)SociologyCardiovascular Disease and AdiposityLong-Term Effects of COVID-19COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies