Work

Association of body mass index on long COVID: Predisposing factors, symptom severity, and functional status in a Spanish cohort of COVID-19 patients

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Problem considered Long COVID (LC) refers to a collection of symptoms that persist or emerge after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. It is a complex, multi-system condition that significantly affects quality of life. While obesity is a well-known risk factor for severe acute COVID-19, its role in the development and severity of LC remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association between pre-infection Body Mass Index (BMI) and LC, as well as its impact on symptom type, their severity, and functional status. Methods This case-control study included 315 participants with prior confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants were classified as LC cases or controls based on WHO criteria. Data was collected via an online self-reported survey. BMI prior to COVID-19 was categorized as underweight, normal weight, or overweight/obesity. Functional impairment was assessed using the Post-COVID Functional Status (PCFS) scale, models were used to examine associations, adjusting for potential confounders. Results Participants with overweight/obesity were associated with an increased developing LC (OR 2.85; 95% CI 1.38–5.87) and experiencing moderate to severe functional limitations (OR 2.65; 95% CI 1.32–5.31), compared to those with normal weight. Obesity was also associated with a higher likelihood of developing specific LC symptoms, including asthenia, dyspnea, headache, brain fog, anxiety, and myalgia. Underweight status showed less consistent associations. Conclusion Pre-infection obesity is an independent factor for the development LC and its functional consequences. Individuals with obesity may be considered a high-risk group and prioritized in public health strategies.

Source: Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102195

Authors: María Gabriela Torres-Romero, Nicolás Escrivá, Elena Barado, Laura Moreno-Galarraga, Alejandro Fernandez-Montero

Institutions: Universidad de Navarra, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Navarre Institute of Health Research

Language: English

Topic: Long-Term Effects of COVID-19

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000