Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: PURPOSE: Patients with obesity who are admitted to an ICU bring specific challenges for rehabilitation during and after critical illness. This narrative review explores impact of differences in body compositions and pathophysiology on outcomes to summarise interprofessional, patient-centred rehabilitation strategies across the trajectory of recovery. METHODS: The interprofessional expert panel reviewed major trials and guidelines, integrating their clinical expertise with the current evidence. RESULTS: Three distinct phenotypes potentially influence outcomes for survivors. Whilst patients with preserved muscle mass may have a survival advantage, the phenotypes characterised by ectopic visceral fat or sarcopenia are frequently complicated by multimorbidity and polypharmacy, likely increasing the risk of adverse effects such as suboptimal sedation, prolonged ventilation and immobilisation, malnutrition, and impaired recovery. Targeted respiratory interventions, including secretion-clearance techniques and appropriate patient positioning to prevent atelectasis, reduce the work of breathing. Optimisation of communication and swallowing function is an essential component for facilitating safe oral intake and promoting active patient participation in rehabilitation. Concurrently, targeted nutrition strategies combined with early, targeted, progressive mobilisation might mitigate ICU acquired weakness and support functional recovery. The availability of appropriate weight‑based equipment is fundamental to ensuring safe mobilisation for both patients and healthcare professionals. CONCLUSION: Interprofessional collaboration is central to optimising outcomes and should extend beyond the ICU to structured post-ICU follow-up to address persistent, worsening, or newly emerging health impairments. Early rehabilitation in critically ill patients with obesity should integrate physiological, logistical, and psychosocial considerations to support equitable and functional recovery.
Source: Intensive Care Medicine
Institutions: University of Zurich, University Hospital of Bern, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Monash University, Royal Adelaide Hospital, King's College London, University of Manchester, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of Technology Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, UNSW Sydney, The George Institute for Global Health, Haute École Provinciale de Hainaut Condorcet, Medical University of Vienna, University Hospital Coventry, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry University, Johns Hopkins University, Reichman University, Herzliya Medical Center, Erasmus MC, Ziekenhuis Gelderse Vallei, Wageningen University & Research, The University of Melbourne, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $5,190
Funders: Danone, Cardinal Health, National Institute for Health and Care Research, European Commission, Universität Wien, Medizinische Universität Wien, European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, Gemeinsame Bundesausschuss, Baxter Healthcare Corporation, National Health and Medical Research Council
OpenAlex ID: W7169530071