How obesity affects COVID-19 infection and its impact on metabolic diseases.
Official title: Impact of obesity on SARS-CoV-2 infection and reciprocal effects of SARS-CoV-2 on metabolic disease
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10868708 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being overweight might affect how seriously someone gets sick from COVID-19 and how COVID-19 could impact conditions like diabetes and heart disease, so if you're interested in how these health issues connect, you might be able to help us learn more!
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $951,400 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132225-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10868708 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are living with obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obesity or those who do not have any metabolic diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between obesity and the severity of COVID-19 infections, as well as how COVID-19 may influence metabolic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. The study will explore whether obesity is an independent risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes, even in the absence of other diagnosed conditions. By examining the effects of obesity on the immune response and metabolic processes, the research aims to uncover the reciprocal effects of COVID-19 on metabolic health. Patients may be involved in assessments that help understand these interactions and their implications for treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of COVID-19 in patients with obesity, potentially reducing severe outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between obesity and respiratory diseases, suggesting that this area of investigation could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberts, Charles T — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Roberts, Charles T
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how obesity affects COVID-19 and how COVID-19 impacts metabolism
This project explores how having obesity changes the way your body responds to COVID-19, and how the virus itself might affect your metabolism.
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This grant studies how COVID-19 infection during pregnancy might change the placenta and influence a child’s brain development, especially in kids who may be at higher genetic risk for ADHD/ASD.
-
How COVID-19 and genetics influence memory and dementia risk in older adults
This project studies how getting COVID-19 interacts with people’s genetic makeup to affect the likelihood of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease in older adults from diverse backgrounds.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.