An analysis of ED medical records suggests that morbidly obese patients take significantly longer to disposition home when compared with patients of normal weight. Patients with a BMI of less than 35 kg/m2 had an average length of stay of 287 minutes, compared with an average of 388 minutes for those with a BMI higher than 40 kg/m2. When compared with patients of normal weight or with mild obesity, the authors also found that those with a BMIs higher than 40 kg/m2 were significantly less likely to undergo CT scans.
Abstract: American Journal of Emergency Medicine, June 2012.
