Implications of obesity in the course of covid-19

ABSTRACT

Overweight and obesity have been dominant components in the international epidemiological outlook in recent decades. Obesity is a widely recognized risk factor for the development of various chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, among several others. Both indi-vidually and in synergy, these factors increase infection risk. In the context of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), obesity has been linked with higher risk for complications and mortality. The mechanisms underlying the association between COVID-19 and obesity have not been fully elucidated;however, chronic inflammation has been identified as a central element in this scenario. Patients with obesity tend to show nutritional patterns and polypharmacy, which may significantly modify the clinical course and management of COVID-19, especially in coexistence with other comorbidities. Various hypolipemic, antihyperglycemic, and antihypertensive drugs have awakened great controversy in this context, concerning the worsening or improvement of the clinical course of COVID-19. This article explores the relationship between obesity and COVID-19 and the repercussions in its clinical management.