Objective Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) continues to spread, and younger patients are also being critically affected. This study analyzed obesity as an independent risk factor for mortality in hospitalized patients younger than 50. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed data of patients with COVID‐19 who were hospitalized to a large academic hospital system in New York City between March 1, 2020, and May 17, 2020. Data included demographics, comorbidities, BMI, and smoking status. Obesity groups included the following: BMI of 30 to < 40 kg/m2 and BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2. Multivariable logistic regression models identified variables independently associated with mortality in patients younger and older than 50. Results Overall, 3,406 patients were included; 572 (17.0%) patients were younger than 50. In the younger age group, 60 (10.5%) patients died. In the older age group, 1,076 (38.0%) patients died. For the younger population, BMI ≥ 40 was independently associated with mortality (adjusted odds ratio 5.1; 95% CI: 2.3‐11.1). For the older population, BMI ≥ 40 was also independently associated with mortality to a lesser extent (adjusted odds ratio 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2‐2.3). Conclusions This study demonstrates that hospitalized patients younger than 50 with severe obesity are more likely to die of COVID‐19. This is particularly relevant in the Western world, where obesity rates are high.