Key principles for rehabilitation of critically ill patients with obesity.
Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
42467246
Abstract
Purpose
Patients with obesity who are admitted to an ICU bring specific challenges for rehabilitation during and after critical illness. This narrative review explores impact of differences in body compositions and pathophysiology on outcomes to summarise interprofessional, patient-centred rehabilitation strategies across the trajectory of recovery.
Methods
The interprofessional expert panel reviewed major trials and guidelines, integrating their clinical expertise with the current evidence.
Results
Three distinct phenotypes potentially influence outcomes for survivors. Whilst patients with preserved muscle mass may have a survival advantage, the phenotypes characterised by ectopic visceral fat or sarcopenia are frequently complicated by multimorbidity and polypharmacy, likely increasing the risk of adverse effects such as suboptimal sedation, prolonged ventilation and immobilisation, malnutrition, and impaired recovery. Targeted respiratory interventions, including secretion-clearance techniques and appropriate patient positioning to prevent atelectasis, reduce the work of breathing. Optimisation of communication and swallowing function is an essential component for facilitating safe oral intake and promoting active patient participation in rehabilitation. Concurrently, targeted nutrition strategies combined with early, targeted, progressive mobilisation might mitigate ICU acquired weakness and support functional recovery. The availability of appropriate weight‑based equipment is fundamental to ensuring safe mobilisation for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
Interprofessional collaboration is central to optimising outcomes and should extend beyond the ICU to structured post-ICU follow-up to address persistent, worsening, or newly emerging health impairments. Early rehabilitation in critically ill patients with obesity should integrate physiological, logistical, and psychosocial considerations to support equitable and functional recovery.
Patients with obesity who are admitted to an ICU bring specific challenges for rehabilitation during and after critical illness. This narrative review explores impact of differences in body compositions and pathophysiology on outcomes to summarise interprofessional, patient-centred rehabilitation strategies across the trajectory of recovery.
Methods
The interprofessional expert panel reviewed major trials and guidelines, integrating their clinical expertise with the current evidence.
Results
Three distinct phenotypes potentially influence outcomes for survivors. Whilst patients with preserved muscle mass may have a survival advantage, the phenotypes characterised by ectopic visceral fat or sarcopenia are frequently complicated by multimorbidity and polypharmacy, likely increasing the risk of adverse effects such as suboptimal sedation, prolonged ventilation and immobilisation, malnutrition, and impaired recovery. Targeted respiratory interventions, including secretion-clearance techniques and appropriate patient positioning to prevent atelectasis, reduce the work of breathing. Optimisation of communication and swallowing function is an essential component for facilitating safe oral intake and promoting active patient participation in rehabilitation. Concurrently, targeted nutrition strategies combined with early, targeted, progressive mobilisation might mitigate ICU acquired weakness and support functional recovery. The availability of appropriate weight‑based equipment is fundamental to ensuring safe mobilisation for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
Interprofessional collaboration is central to optimising outcomes and should extend beyond the ICU to structured post-ICU follow-up to address persistent, worsening, or newly emerging health impairments. Early rehabilitation in critically ill patients with obesity should integrate physiological, logistical, and psychosocial considerations to support equitable and functional recovery.
Date Issued
2026
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
Subjects
Critical care
•
Critical illness
•
Early ambulation
•
Obesity
•
Rehabilitation
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Eggmann, Sabrina | |
Bear, Danielle E | |
Bourne, Richard S | |
Freeman-Sanderson, Amy | |
Hickmann, Cheryl E | |
Karner, Vera | |
McWilliams, David | |
Needham, Dale M | |
Singer, Pierre | |
van Mol, Margo | |
van Zanten, Arthur | |
Hodgson, Carol L | |
Schaller, Stefan J |
Additional Credits
Journal
Intensive Care Medicine
Publisher
Springer
ISSN
1432-1238
0342-4642
Access(Rights)
open.access