COVID-19 and Obesity

As we have all been at home dealing with this pandemic, our NYBG providers have been closely looking at data emerging from around the world regarding the risk of severe Covid-19 illness in our patients.

Data from China, Seattle, New York, and France showed that patients with a BMI over 40 were much more likely to be hospitalized for Covid-19, more likely to be admitted to ICU, and more likely to be intubated. This progression also means a higher mortality rate for our patients. Together, these studies clearly show that obesity is a major risk factor for the development of severe Covid-19 disease. This risk appears to be independent of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease.

Risk Factors Associated with Obesity

Scientists are only now beginning to understand why this risk exists. One-way obesity increases risk is its effect on pulmonary function. Obesity is associated with decreased lung volumes and weaker respiratory muscles that are important in fighting Covid-19 disease. Obesity increases abdominal pressure when supine which makes ventilation more difficult. Obesity has been shown to be a pro-inflammatory disease, and elevated cytokines in the blood may predispose obese patients to a more severe immune reaction to the disease. Finally, obesity is also associated with diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, all of which increase the risk of developing pneumonia.

The good news is that successful weight loss surgery reverses the pulmonary and metabolic changes associated with obesity and lowers your risk of severe illness substantially.

At the New York Bariatric Group, we have worked to create a One Day workup where you can get all required clearances in our office in one day. Many insurance companies in New York have eliminated requirements for medical weight loss programs which means we can get you to surgery in 1-2 months from your initial consultation.

Given the concerns expressed about a possible second wave of the Covid-19 virus in the fall, now is the time to get started.

Together, We’ve Got This!

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Obesity & COVID-19

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I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

I feel like a completely different person.

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

COVID-19 and Obesity

Risk Factors Associated with Obesity

Schedule A Consultation

Obesity & COVID-19

Resources

Thomas

Lost 145lbs

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Nicole

Lost 76lbs

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

Robert

Lost 76lbs

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

Samantha

Lost 92lbs

I feel like a completely different person.

Eileen

Lost 99lbs