Abstract

The number of COVID 19 cases worldwide has been increasing steadily in the past few months. Due to the novelty of the virus, we are grappling with uncertainty as our proficiency in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV 2) and the disease which ensues is in its infancy. The proportion COVID 19 cases with severe disease varies significantly between countries and regions depending on the demographics of those infected. Although most people have mild illness, studies show 12-19% of patients experience severe disease which can lead to mortality. Until the advent of definitive treatment or a vaccine, we must be able to identify the patients at high risk accurately in order to provide closer monitoring and treatment to this cohort of patients. This will allow streamlining of services and resources which are already stretched at this time of a global pandemic. rnStudies have shown older age, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, inflammatory diseases hypertension, smoking, and cancer were all associated with an increased risk of death in COVID 19. rnAlthough obesity has also been implicated in numerous studies from Asia, Europe and America to cause increased risk of severe disease in COVID 19 patients, it remains understated. rnThis does not come as a surprise as obesity has been linked to worse prognosis in previous flu pandemics (1917 Spanish Flu, 1957 Asian Flu, 1968 Hong Kong Flu and 2009 H1N1 pandemic).