Challenges Faced by Acutely Ill COVID 19 Patients with Obesity: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Several studies have shown that people with obesity are more likely to experience worse outcomes with COVID 19 infection, regardless of the severity of illness and the presence of other comorbidities. The same population also experiences numerous disparities while accessing health care. From obesity related stigma embedded in thought processes of healthcare personnels to lack of widespread availability of equipment/personnel to handle patients with obesity delay appropriate care reception. As described in this article, these systemic disparities become more evident amongst critically ill COVID 19 patients by directly contributing to severe morbidity and mortality. The pandemic highlighted the unmet need amongst this population in reception of acute and subacute medical care. Also, it shed light on the opportunities to improve the status quo in healthcare delivery. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the health care system works toward eliminating systemic biases associated with acute care for patients with obesity. As the proportion of obese population is continually growing in the United States without the necessary reformation in the health care system, this article is intended to inform policy makers of the urgent need for reformation of the acute and subacute health care systems in order to accommodate the changing needs of the population.