When COVID19 started spreading across the globe there was very little insight into what specific co-morbid conditions were the most lethal. Age appeared to be the greatest risk followed by health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease,smoking or lung disease, and so forth. Unlike what the world had seen in China and Italy, critically ill patients in the United States are not all “elderly.” Many of those who end up on ventilators are in fact younger without known major health problems. New data clearly demonstrates that after age, obesity is the second most significant risk factor for becoming critically ill with COVID19.

In the epicenter of New York, recent studies show that patients less than 60 years old were twice as likely to be admitted to intensive care if their Body Mass Index (BMI) was greater than 30. The higher the BMI, the higher the chances of requiring critical care1.

The largest US study to date on COVID19 with over 4000 patients in New York demonstrates that after age, obesity is a stronger risk factor than heart or lung disease for both hospitalization and critical care2. Obesity is a “pro-inflammatory” condition with an inability to fight the virus. Unrecognized health problems also contribute to a lower immunity such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea to name a few.According to the CDC, more than 1/3’d of adults and 17% of children are obese in the United States. Dieting and exercise are widely ineffective for long term weight loss and resolution of obesity related health problems. We here at Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons pride ourselves in offering minimally invasive surgical solutions for life-long weight loss. Patients following metabolic procedures such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass rid themselves of diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure,and many other health problems. Not only do they increase their lifespan and quality of life, but also their immunity—the only defense against coronavirus. We congratulate our patients on achieving a healthy lifestyle and increasing their chances of overcoming this pandemic. Continue to eat healthy, take your vitamins, keep hydrated, practice social distancing, and stay safe!

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