| Hot Topic |
august-september, 2020 | The Health
17
Figure 2
Undeniably, there is
very little available
data on Body
Mass Index (BMI)
for patients with
Covid-19 infections.
Nevertheless, we
must not disregard
the role of obesity in
Covid-19.”
inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive
protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), tissue
enzymes which are lactate dehydrogenase
(LDH) and clotting abnormalities indicated
by an increase in D-dimer.
These are linked with severe multi-organ
damage to the extent of thromboembolic
events. The circulating of elevated cytokines
is in fact involved in the cytokine storm
syndrome that may play a role in SARS-CoV-
2-driven hyperinflammation resulting in
multiorgan failure.
To conclude, obesity is, without a doubt,
an independent serious risk factor in
Covid-19. Therefore, it is recommended that
the measurement of anthropometrics and
metabolic parameters is crucial to have
a better estimate risk of complications
in addition to the evaluation of standard
hospital parameters.
It is also advisable for these high-risk
individuals to take action in effectively
reducing their body weight and aim to get
a desirable BMI. There are many ways in
doing so, with the simplest being adapting a
healthy lifestyle.
If you are finding that you have some
difficulty in achieving your target weight,
you can always consult a professional. With
that being said, what are you waiting for?
Let’s exercise! Stay safe, get healthy and be
happy. — The Health
Dr Nik Ritza is Professor in Upper Gastrointestinal
Surgery, Consultant General Surgeon,
Department of Surgery, UKM Medical Centre
(UKMMC), Dr Hardip is Lecturer and Specialist
Otorhinolaryngologist, Head and Neck Surgery,
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and
Neck Surgery, UKMMC and Dr Mardiana is
House Officer, Department of Surgery, UKMMC.