Obesity Is One of the Strongest Risk Factor for Respiratory Failure and Death in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Multicentric Cohort Study

Background: A significant spread of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) has been observed in Western countries. The aim of the study was to analyze whether obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) was a risk factor for respiratory failure and death. Methods: Retrospective multicentric cohort study of 296 COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital between February 28 and March 28, 2020. Demographic characteristics, laboratory findings and clinical scores were compared in obese and non-obese patients. Multivariable analysis was carried out to identify the risk factors for respiratory failure and mortality. Findings: Of 296 patients, 70 (23·6%) had a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Obese patients were significantly older (68±13·5 vs. 63±16·8, p=0·0052) and reported a higher rate of hypertension (77.9% vs. 40.2%, p