Effects of COVID 19 on Anthropometric Measurements and Selected Clinical Parameters

Abstract

Background: Beyond respiratory pathology, COVID-19 exerts multi-systemic effects, including profound alterations in body composition and cardiopulmonary function. This study quantifies longitudinal changes in anthropometry (weight, arm, abdominal, hip, thigh circumferences, BMI) and clinical parameters (SpO₂, BP, pulse rate) across three time durations, vis-à-vis, pre COVID, during COVID and finally, post COVID.

Methods: A prospective cohort (n= 511, 255 males, 256 females) was assessed at all three time points. Repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD tested temporal trends for the clinical parameters and paired t-tests compared pre vs. post COVID anthropometric values (α = 0.01). in addition, the correlation between pre COVID BMI and the clinical parameters was also assessed.

Results: All anthropometric parameters increased significantly post COVID (p < 0.0001).  Clinically, BP and pulse rate were lowest during the pre infection phase, elevated during infection, and remained intermediate post recovery (all p < 0.0001). SpO₂ increased significantly post-infection (p < 0.0001), likely reflecting resolution of hypoxia. Notably, pre-COVID BMI showed no significant correlation with acute-phase clinical severity.

Conclusion: COVID-19 induces durable, measurable changes in body composition and cardiopulmonary physiology, extending well beyond viral clearance. These findings advocate for integrated post COVID metabolic and cardiovascular monitoring, irrespective of baseline BMI.