Obesity and covid-19: a reflection on the relationship between pandemics

Rev Gaucha Enferm. 2021 Mar 26;42(spe):e20200216. doi: 10.1590/1983-1447.2021.20200216. eCollection 2021.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective: Carry out a reflective analysis on the relationship of obesity as a risk factor for the worsening of COVID-19.

Method: Reflective study, supported by scientific evidence, which contributed to a critical-reflexive construction on the theme "Obesity" in interface with "Covid-19".

Results: This study brought up important reflections for health professionals, researchers and managers, from the beginning of the pandemic, a period in which obesity was not recognized as a risk factor, until the current scenario, in which a series of pathophysiological mechanisms that clinically connect these diseases are being proposed.

Conclusion: Obesity is a risk factor for the worsening of COVID-19, which is contributing to the overload of health services, and which requires differentiated health care, with adjustments in care, pharmacological protocols and commitment to health education in the within the Unified Health System.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / epidemiology
  • COVID-19 / etiology*
  • COVID-19 / mortality
  • Disease Progression*
  • Humans
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / mortality
  • Pandemics*
  • Risk Factors
  • SARS-CoV-2 / pathogenicity