Obesity, Physical Activity, and COVID-19

Estimates suggest that over 80% of people with COVID-19 may experience mild to no symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that around 7-8% of positive COVID-19 cases were hospitalized in the first year of the pandemic. A substantial body of evidence points to obesity, sedentary behavior, and low physical activity levels as risk factors for susceptibility to the virus and the severity of symptoms. Obese individuals are 46% more likely to contract the virus than those of normal weight, and those who are physically active have an 11% reduced risk of contracting the virus. Medical experts have also identified obesity, sedentary behavior, and physical inactivity as risk factors for severe COVID-19 symptoms and long COVID. Evidence from bariatric surgery suggests that weight loss decreases the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19. The mechanisms linking obesity, sedentary behavior, and physical activity to COVID-19 are somewhat similar. Obesity, sedentary behavior, and low physical activity are all linked to inflammation, immune dysfunction, and comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease that increase COVID-19 risk. Additionally, achieving the recommended 150 min of moderate-intensity exercise seems to be the desired dose for protection from COVID-19.