Key principles for rehabilitation of critically ill patients with obesity - Takeaways - MDSpire

Key principles for rehabilitation of critically ill patients with obesity

  • By

  • Sabrina Eggmann

  • Danielle E. Bear

  • Richard S. Bourne

  • Amy Freeman-Sanderson

  • Cheryl E. Hickmann

  • Vera Karner

  • David McWilliams

  • Dale M. Needham

  • Pierre Singer

  • Margo van Mol

  • Arthur van Zanten

  • Carol L. Hodgson

  • Stefan J. Schaller

  • July 17, 2026

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  • 1

    Obesity is defined by a BMI over 30 kg/m2, but BMI is a poor marker for body composition in critically ill patients.

  • 2

    Critically ill patients with obesity face challenges such as respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic alterations affecting ICU management.

  • 3

    Sarcopenic obesity, characterized by high body fat and low muscle mass, is associated with poor outcomes and increased risk of ICU acquired weakness.

  • 4

    Obesity can present with different phenotypes, influencing patient outcomes, including preserved muscle mass and excess visceral adiposity.

  • 5

    Future research is needed to better understand the impact of obesity phenotypes on long-term recovery after critical illness.

Original Source(s)

Key principles for rehabilitation of critically ill patients with obesity

  • by Sabrina Eggmann, Danielle E. Bear, Richard S. Bourne, Amy Freeman-Sanderson, Cheryl E. Hickmann, Vera Karner, David McWilliams, Dale M. Needham, Pierre Singer, Margo van Mol, Arthur van Zanten, Carol L. Hodgson, Stefan J. Schaller

  • July 17, 2026

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