[Obesity and hypertriglyceridemia: high risks for disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients]

Su-Jie Ni1, Jian-Lin Gao1, Steven S Shen2

  • 1Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226006, China.

Insights

Obesity and high triglycerides increase the risk of severe COVID-19 complications and death. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for long-term defense against SARS-CoV-2.

Area of Science:

  • Internal Medicine
  • Epidemiology
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted significant risk factors for severe disease.
  • Obesity and hypertriglyceridemia are increasingly recognized as critical determinants of COVID-19 severity.

Approach:

  • This review synthesizes global clinical reports and laboratory findings on COVID-19.
  • Analysis includes data from diverse ethnic populations to assess risk factors.

Key Points:

  • Obesity and hypertriglyceridemia are strongly associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes.
  • These conditions contribute to major complications like acute respiratory distress syndrome, thromboembolism, coagulopathy, and cytokine storm.
  • Potential molecular mechanisms linking severe COVID-19 with obesity and hypertriglyceridemia are explored.

Conclusions:

  • Public health strategies should emphasize healthy diet and lifestyle for sustained protection against SARS-CoV-2.
  • Managing obesity and triglyceride levels may mitigate severe COVID-19 risks.

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