Understanding how obesity affects COVID-19 and how COVID-19 impacts metabolism

Impact of obesity on SARS-CoV-2 infection and reciprocal effects of SARS-CoV-2 on metabolic disease

['FUNDING_R01'] · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11117098

This project explores how having obesity changes the way your body responds to COVID-19, and how the virus itself might affect your metabolism.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorOREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PORTLAND, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11117098 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

We know that conditions like diabetes and heart disease, often linked to obesity, can make COVID-19 more severe. This work aims to find out if obesity alone, even without these other diagnoses, increases the risk of serious COVID-19 outcomes. Researchers are also looking into how COVID-19 might change your body's sugar and fat metabolism, potentially leading to new-onset diabetes or long-term health issues after recovery. Understanding these connections could help us better protect people with obesity from severe COVID-19 and manage its lasting effects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for adults aged 21 and older who have obesity and have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, or those interested in the metabolic effects of COVID-19.

Not a fit: Patients without obesity or those not affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better strategies for preventing severe COVID-19 in people with obesity and for managing metabolic problems that arise after infection.

How similar studies have performed: While the link between obesity and severe respiratory disease is known, this project specifically explores the two-way relationship between obesity and SARS-CoV-2 infection, including long-term metabolic changes, which is a growing area of investigation.

Where this research is happening

PORTLAND, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acute Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.