Investigating how obesity affects severe COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody-mediated Inflammatory Responses by Macrophages in Individuals With and Without Obesity

Not applicable Interventional Franciscus Gasthuis · NCT06968442

This study is trying to see how obesity affects the immune response and severity of COVID-19 by comparing blood samples from obese patients and non-obese healthcare workers.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorFranciscus Gasthuis Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rotterdam, South Holland)
Trial IDNCT06968442 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the role of obesity in the pathophysiology of severe COVID-19 by comparing blood samples from obese patients eligible for bariatric surgery with those from non-obese healthcare workers. It is a mono-center, prospective cohort study conducted at Franciscus Hospital, where participants will undergo venipuncture to collect blood samples for analysis. The goal is to understand how obesity may influence immune responses and disease severity in COVID-19 patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 65 with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher who are patients at Franciscus Hospital.

Not a fit: Patients with acute infections, systemic immunological disorders, or those on immune-modulatory medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how obesity impacts COVID-19 severity, potentially leading to better treatment strategies for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the relationship between obesity and COVID-19 outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

Cohort 1 (obesity cohort)

* ≥18 and ≤65 years of age
* BMI ≥30 kg/m²
* Patient of Franciscus Hospital

Cohort 2 (control cohort)

* ≥18 and ≤65 years of age
* BMI \<25 kg/m²
* Healthcare workers of Franciscus Hospital

Exclusion Criteria (for both cohorts):

* Acute infection or current systemic immunological disorders
* Use of immune-modulatory medication (i.e., corticosteroids and biologicals)
* Hormonal therapy

Where this trial is running

Rotterdam, South Holland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions COVID-19Antibody COVID-19ObesityAntibodiesMacrophagesImmunityFc receptors
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.