Peculiarities of the COVID-19 course and consequences in overweight and obese patients. Lessons from the current pandemic

Abstract

Treatment difficulties of COVID-19 have determined the need to identify predictive risk factors for the development of a complicated disease course, critical conditions and death. Endocrine and metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity, including impaired insulin sensitivity, chronic inflammation and impaired lipid and fatty acid metabolism, increase immunological dysregulation and make these patients more susceptible to developing infectious diseases. Research data allows us to single out obesity as a risk factor for the aggravated course of COVID-19, as well as a longer period before the virus elimination, and, therefore, the risk of virus transmission. Potentiation of cardiovascular risk factors, an increase in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, coagulopathy are factors in the development of unfavorable outcomes in such patients.This review presents literature data on the features of the course and the mechanisms of development of complications in patients with new coronavirus infection and obesity. Taking into account the need to restore metabolic health to increase the adaptive and resistant capacities of the body in the face of the threat of a new increase in the prevalence of COVID-19, the possibilities of treating obesity using a combined preparation containing sibutramine and metformin in one tablet, are discussed.