J Korean Med Assoc.
2022 Jul;65(7):423-429. 10.5124/jkma.2022.65.7.423.
Association between obesity and COVID-19
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
- KMID: 2532137
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2022.65.7.423
Abstract
- Background
Since December 2019, most countries have struggled with the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). During the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, weight gain became prevalent because the preventive measures against the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted in decreased physical activity and increased consumption of unhealthy food among the general public.
Current Concepts
Several mechanisms have been proposed for the association between obesity and COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infection aggravates inflammation and hypoxia in obese people, which can lead to severe COVID-19 disease. COVID-19 affects the immune system, resulting in various complications. Several cytokines, including interleukin-6, are integral to the progression of COVID-19. Thus, COVID-19-associated inflammation and immune dysfunction predispose patients to the complications of obesity, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus.
Discussion and Conclusion
Obese patients are commonly prescribed antidiabetic agents, blood pressure lowering medications, and lipid-lowering medications such as statins. The routine intake of these drugs is a protective factor against all-cause mortality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, preventive measures, such as minimizing team sports and closing public exercise facilities, might have contributed to the weight gain in obese individuals. Thus, an active lifestyle with regular home exercise and a healthy diet should be advised for obese patients.
