Obesity, a major risk factor for immunity and severe outcomes of COVID-19

Biosci Rep. 2021 Aug 27;41(8):BSR20210979. doi: 10.1042/BSR20210979.

Abstract

An influenza-like virus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for COVID-19 disease and spread worldwide within a short time. COVID-19 has now become a significant concern for public health. Obesity is highly prevalent worldwide and is considered a risk factor for impairing the adaptive immune system. Although diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and renal failure are considered the risk factors for COVID-19, obesity is not yet well-considered. The present study approaches establishing a systemic association between the prevalence of obesity and its impact on immunity concerning the severe outcomes of COVID-19 utilizing existing knowledge. Overall study outcomes documented the worldwide prevalence of obesity, its effects on immunity, and a possible underlying mechanism covering obesity-related risk pathways for the severe outcomes of COVID-19. Overall understanding from the present study is that being an immune system impairing factor, the role of obesity in the severe outcomes of COVID-19 is worthy.

Keywords: ACE-2; COVID-19; Immunity; Morbidity; Obesity; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity / immunology*
  • COVID-19 / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / immunology*
  • Obesity / pathology*
  • Risk Factors
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology