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Obesity: A comorbidity-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (CAIDS).
Siopis, George.
  • Siopis G; Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Burwood, Australia.
Int Rev Immunol ; : 1-15, 2022 Jun 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1878617
ABSTRACT
Accumulating data emphasize a strong link between obesity and the severity of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), including mortality. Obesity interferes with several components of the immune system including lymphoid tissue's integrity, leukocytes' development and function, complement system's activation, and the coordination of innate and adaptive immune responses. Overall, obesity results in a less efficient immune response to infectious agents. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 exploits this weakened immune system in people with obesity to precipitate COVID-19, and in some cases death. It is therefore the author's recommendation that obesity should be viewed as another form of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and be treated with the appropriate seriousness. Unlike the previously described acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) that is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), obesity is a comorbidity-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. People with AIDS do not die from HIV, but may die from opportunistic pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, AIDS is ascribed its due importance in the course of deterioration of the patient. Similarly, obesity should be acknowledged further as a risk factor for mortality from COVID-19. Obesity is a modifiable condition and even in people with a strong genetic predisposition, lifestyle modifications can reverse obesity, and even moderate weight loss can improve the inflammatory milieu. Strong public health actions are warranted to promote lifestyle measures to reduce the burden from overweight and obesity that currently affect more than one-third of the global population, with projections alarming this may reach 55-80% within the next thirty years.
Accumulating data emphasize a strong link between obesity and the severity of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), including mortality. Obesity interferes with several components of the immune system, reducing the body's capacity for defence against infectious agents, such as viruses and bacteria. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 takes advantage of this weakened defence in people with obesity to precipitate COVID-19, and in some cases death. It is therefore the author's recommendation that obesity should be viewed as another form of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and be treated with the appropriate seriousness. Unlike the previously described acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) that is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), obesity is a comorbidity-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. People with AIDS do not die from HIV, but may die from opportunistic pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, AIDS is ascribed its due importance in the course of deterioration of the patient. Similarly, obesity should be acknowledged further as a risk factor for mortality from COVID-19. Obesity is a modifiable condition and even in people with a strong genetic predisposition, lifestyle modifications can reverse obesity. Strong public health actions are warranted to promote lifestyle measures to reduce the burden from overweight and obesity that currently affect more than one-third of the global population, with projections alarming this may reach 55-80% within the next thirty years.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Prognostic study Language: English Journal: Int Rev Immunol Journal subject: Allergy and Immunology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 08830185.2022.2083614

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Prognostic study Language: English Journal: Int Rev Immunol Journal subject: Allergy and Immunology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 08830185.2022.2083614