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This page will be updated as new information will be available. Last update: 10.24.20
The new severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) has created a global pandemic with its syndrome, COVID-19. The number of people affected by COVVI-19 continues to increase worldwide, and information on the risk factors of serious covid-19 and mortality emerging almost daily.
Older adults and those who are immunocompromised due to underlying medical conditions run a higher risk of developing serious complications from COVVI-19 disease. For young people and old adults, emerging data suggest that obesity can be linked to the risk of serious illness and hospitalization. [1,2] A recent systematic review of 75 studies revealed that compared to healthy weights, people with obesity were 113% more likely to be hospitalized, 74% more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit and 48% more likely to die. [3] The review has incorporated previous research on obesity and COVVI-19, in particular:
- A study in France which has shown that the risk of requiring fans in patients with COVID-19 was more than 7 times higher for people with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35, compared to those with a BMI less than 25. [4]
- A study in New York which revealed that people under the age of 60 with a BMI greater than 30 were much more likely to be admitted to care than people with a BMI of less than 30. [2]
- Additional New York research demonstrating that obesity patients had significantly higher admission rates to intensive care units or death rates. [5]
- A study in Mexico where patients with COVVI-19 obesity with higher admission rates to intensive care units were more likely to be intubated and had a higher risk of mortality. [6]
Currently, the mechanisms responsible for greater severity of COVID-19 in persons with obesity are unknown. However, information from other viral infections such as flu indicates potential problems, including reduced immune function, chronic systemic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction and reduced pulmonary function. [3] In addition, persons with obesity are more likely to have other diseases that are severe COVID-19 risk factors, including type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, kidney / hepatic diseases and hyperlipidemia. [3,7]
It is also important to note that COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the racial / ethnic minority groups in the United States; In particular, black, Hispanic and Amerindian communities. These populations of racial / ethnic minorities are experiencing higher hospitalization rates, serious illnesses, morbidity and mortality of COVID-19. Systemic health and long-standing social inequalities have contributed to such disparities, which increases the risk of COVID-19 severity. [8,9]
The pandemic highlighted several structural gaps in our health system and the need to Federal funding and efforts to prevent federal obesity. COVID-19 exposed the devastating impact of the intersection between infectious and chronic diseases. The concentration of efforts on policies and strategies that target the deep causes of obesity and metabolic health, especially among vulnerable and racial / ethnic populations, continue to be as critical as ever.
There are a few steps that everyone can take to protect their health during COVID-19, in particular: [10]
- Practice social distancing, wear masks and wash your hands often.
- Make sure your underlying health problems are well managed with prescribed medicines and according to your doctor’s recommendations. Do not miss important medical meetings, contact if tele-warning visits are available and do not skip the recharges on important drugs that help manage your conditions.
Although we did not have concrete evidence regarding specific food factors that can reduce the risk of COVID-19, we know that eating a healthy diet, being physically active, managing stress and obtaining enough sleep support our immune system. Even moderate improvements in nutrition and physical activity can improve metabolic health and reduce the severity of COVVI-19 risks.
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