Obesity and COVID-19: What are the Consequences?
Charlotte Steenblock1, Mohamed Hassanein2, Emran G Khan3
1Department of Medicine III, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany.
Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|June 20, 2022
Summary
Obesity significantly increases the risk of severe COVID-19, with comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension exacerbating this. The review explores obesity
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Global rise in obesity presents a significant public health challenge.
- Obesity is a major risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalization and mortality.
- Metabolic comorbidities (type 2 diabetes, hypertension) amplify COVID-19 severity in obese individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms linking obesity and increased risk of severe COVID-19.
- To examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on weight gain and obesity prevalence.
- To emphasize the critical need for global preventive strategies against obesity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on obesity, COVID-19, and metabolic comorbidities.
- Analysis of epidemiological data concerning obesity and COVID-19 hospitalization rates.
- Discussion of physiological and immunological pathways involved.
Main Results:
- Obesity alone accounts for 20% of COVID-19 hospitalizations; combined with comorbidities, it reaches 60%.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to increased weight gain globally due to lifestyle changes during lockdowns.
- Specific pathways mediating increased COVID-19 severity in obese individuals are identified.
Conclusions:
- Urgent global action is needed to address childhood and adult obesity through improved nutrition and policy.
- Preventing the interface between non-communicable diseases like obesity and communicable diseases like COVID-19 is crucial for future pandemic preparedness.
- Public health initiatives must prioritize obesity prevention and management to mitigate risks from infectious diseases.
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