Studies Show Obese People Are at Increased Risk for COVID-19

Today, obesity a major health concern that many people face and people are in constant search of effective medical solutions to correct their metabolism and hormonal issues. Endocrinologists analyze the behaviour of endocrine glands and all study details are recorded so that it can be used later. Medical dictations in this regard are transcribed using medical transcription services to generate accurate medical records. Now, EHR-integrated transcription solutions are available that remove the burden of clinical documentation from the physicians.

New studies have found that obesity could increase the risk for critical Illness in COVID-19 patients. Researchers at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City, led by Christopher M. Petrilli, MD, performed a cross sectional analysis of all patients with confirmed COVID-19 at an academic health system in NYC between March 1 and April 2, 2020. The research shows a strong association of older age, obesity, heart failure and chronic kidney disease with risk for hospitalization for COVID-19 as compared to people with smoking status, or chronic pulmonary disease. Factors associated with the highest risk for hospitalization are: age equal to or greater than 75 years, BMI greater than 40, and history of heart failure. Factors most highly associated with critical illness are admission SaO2 less than 88%, first d-dimer greater than 2,500, first ferritin greater than 2500, and first C-reactive protein (CRP) greater than 200. The researchers pointed out that the association of inflammatory markers with future critical vs. non-critical illness was “striking.” They emphasize that early elevations in CRP and d-dimer had the strongest association with either the need for mechanical ventilation or mortality. The study concluded with the view that providers must consider routine measurement of inflammatory marker levels during hospitalization for COVID-19.

Another study by the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and colleagues from the Department of Infection Prevention and Control and Division of Infectious Diseases at NYU Langone Health, New York found that patients who are below 60 years of age were at higher risk of being hospitalized for COVID 19, if they were obese.

Treat Obesity

Obesity is a health condition that can lead to several other health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, fatty liver, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, gallstones, high cholesterol, gout, and many types of cancer and even early death. Obesity may be due to lack of physical activity, genetics, stress, or even due to hormone imbalance. There are several nutrition programs and diet plans that could help obese individuals to lose weight. For people with metabolism issues, endocrinologists can help assess the cause of obesity and how to address this condition. For effective documentation and treatment of such significant human body system disorders, endocrinology specialists require the backing and support of accurate endocrinology transcription services. Medical transcripts are important from the point of view of the entire medical chart and are therefore highly significant in terms of insurance reimbursement as well.