Obesity and COVID-19: A Perspective from the European Association for the Study of Obesity on Immunological Perturbations, Therapeutic Challenges, and Opportunities in Obesity
Gijs H. Goossens, Dror Dicker, Nathalie J. Farpour‐Lambert, Gema Frühbeck, Dana Müllerová, Euan Woodward, Jens‐Christian Holm
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that obesity is a major risk factor for the initiation, progression, and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), as a scientific and medical society dedicated to the promotion of health and well-being, is greatly concerned about the concomitant obesity and COVID-19 pandemics and their impact on health and society at large. In this perspective, we will address the inherent immunological perturbations and alterations in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in patients with obesity and COVID-19, and discuss how these impairments may underlie the increased susceptibility and more detrimental outcomes of COVID-19 in people with obesity. Clearly, this has important implications for preventive measures, vaccination, and future therapeutic strategies to combat COVID-19. Furthermore, we will highlight important knowledge gaps and provide suggestions for future research and recommendations for policy actions. Since many new reports on COVID-19 rapidly appear, the present perspective should be seen as a focus for discussion to drive forward further understanding, research initiatives, and clinical management of COVID-19.