Obesity Most Significant Risk Factor to Covid-19 Hospitalization after Age

by

Introduction

A new large-scale study looking at data from more than 4,000 COVID-19 patients in New York City found that outside of older age (>75 years), obesity was the single most significant risk factor contributing to hospitalization and critical care [1]. This reinforces findings that in people under the age of 60, obesity poses a significant risk for requiring acute or intensive care [2].

Understanding the Severity of Obesity as a Risk Factor

Being obese—defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more—puts those under 60 at significantly greater risk of hospitalization than any other factor, including hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. For those with a BMI of 40 or higher, it is the most significant risk factor after age [1,2]. We must realize that two-thirds of adults in the US and Canada are either overweight or obese.

[Image of BMI classification chart]

The Metabolic Health Gap

Recent data found that 90% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients had underlying conditions. Alarmingly, only 12% of adults are considered metabolically healthy—meaning they have a healthy waist circumference and normal blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol levels [3]. Reducing the weight carried around our middles can significantly improve our potential outcomes.

While we cannot change our age, we can lower our weight and waist circumference. Studies indicate that metabolic markers like blood pressure and blood sugar can be normalized in as little as 10 weeks with a well-designed diet of whole, real food. Given the current lack of a vaccine, making these dietary changes now is a powerful way to lower personal risk.

The Opportunity in the “New Normal”

Since we are currently eating most of our meals at home, now is an ideal time to implement the dietary changes needed for metabolic health. I have spent years helping clients improve their lab markers and achieve weight recovery through virtual support, ensuring high-quality Medical Nutrition Therapy without the need for in-person visits.

More Info?

Learn about me and the Comprehensive Dietary Package that I offer.

To your good health!

Joy

You can follow me on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jyerdile
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetterByDesignNutrition/

References

  1. Petrilli CM, Jones SA, Yang J, et al. Factors associated with hospitalization and critical illness among 4,103 patients with COVID-19 in New York City. medRxiv. 2020. [https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.04.08.20057794]
  2. Lighter J, Phillips M, Hochman S, et al. Obesity in Patients Younger Than 60 Years Is a Risk Factor for COVID-19 Hospital Admission. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2020. [https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciaa415]
  3. Araújo J, Cai J, Stevens J. Prevalence of Optimal Metabolic Health in American Adults: NHANES 2009–2016. Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2019. [https://doi.org/10.1089/met.2018.0105]
Nutrition is BetterByDesign

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

© 2025 BetterByDesign Nutrition Ltd.

LEGAL NOTICE: The contents of this blog, including text, images, and cited statistics, are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this content.