Abstract
Global public health is challenged by two concurrent epidemics; COVID-19 and obesity. Considering the global prevalence of obesity, exploring relationships with COVID-19 are of clinical importance. The aim was to provide a comprehensive summary and recommendations on this relationship between COVID-19 and obesity. A literature search was performed to prepare a narrative review of COVID-19 and obesity. An obesity state promotes chronic inflammation, vitamin D deficiency, hinders immunity and causes mechanical lung compression. These increase susceptibilities to COVID-19 infection, complications including the requirement of invasive ventilation. Existing co-morbidities enhances these complications. Preventive measures of social distancing and self-isolation may increase stigmatisation and psychological deterrents. Hence, special recommendations targeting this vulnerable population are required. The obese population is a COVID-19 vulnerable group, requiring special attention during this pandemic to avoid complications and healthcare systems burden. Lacking COVID-19 vaccination, regular physical activity and a healthy diet are recommended with attention to mental health. A prolonged quarantine duration and administration of prophylactic vitamin D may be considered.
Highlights
Global public health is challenged by two concurrent epidemics; COVID-19 and obesity
The global public health body is being challenged by two concurrent epidemics, SARS-CoV2, known as COVID-19 and obesity
We aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of the literature and recommendations on the relationship between COVID-19 and obesity
Summary
Global public health is challenged by two concurrent epidemics; COVID-19 and obesity. An obesity state promotes chronic inflammation, vitamin D deficiency, hinders immunity and causes mechanical lung compression These increase susceptibilities to COVID-19 infection, complications including the requirement of invasive ventilation. The obese population is a COVID-19 vulnerable group, requiring special attention during this pandemic to avoid complications and healthcare systems burden. A large proportion of the world’s population has been reported to be either overweight or obese, increasing the risk of acquiring a severe COVID-19 infection [4]. This indirectly will increase the burden on the healthcare systems with a possibility of collapse [5]. We aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of the literature and recommendations on the relationship between COVID-19 and obesity
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