COVID-19 and Obesity: Overlapping of Two Pandemics

Obes Facts. 2021;14(6):579-585. doi: 10.1159/000518386. Epub 2021 Sep 24.

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has recently led to worldwide research efforts to identify subjects at greater risk of developing more severe illness: overall obesity displayed a strong correlation with critical illness and major severity of COVID-19 manifestations.

Summary: Obesity and metabolic disorders are closely linked to chronic systemic inflammation. The adipose tissue constitutes a source of cytokines, which configure a low-grade inflammation and a hypercoagulation status; in addition, diagnosis and care of obese patients are often complicated by excess weight and ventilation difficulties. Key Messages: This review aims to examine the intersection between obesity and adverse outcomes of COVID-19, in order to investigate its preventive and/or therapeutic potential in the management of obesity-related COVID-19 complications.

Keywords: Body fat; COVID-19; Inflammation; Obesity; Pandemic; Thrombosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2