Obesidad como factor implicado en la gravedad de la infección por sars-cov-2.

Abstract

Introduction:

People with obesity show severe complications when infected with SARS-CoV-2 due to the chronic proinflammatory state and reduced immune response caused by excess adipose tissue. SARS-CoV-2 uses ACE2 receptors to integrate and enter target cells, and in obesity, reduced levels of these receptors stimulate renal ectopic lipid retention.

Objective: To determine the relationship between obesity and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methodology: A systematic investigation was conducted by searching for original articles in primary scientific databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and SciELO, using Boolean operators and inclusion criteria.

Results: Thirty-three articles meeting the eligibility criteria according to the PRISMA guidelines were included in the systematic review. Among these, 18 articles were related to obesity as a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 severity. In addition, it was noted that obese males and elderly individuals experienced more severe complications during infection. Furthermore, two articles indicated that obese young people with COVID-19 had a higher mortality risk, the same as underweight individuals. One of the observed complications was that individuals with obesity have impaired lung function due to excess visceral fat, which prevents proper diaphragm expansion following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusion: Obesity represents a risk factor associated with severity and mortality of COVID-19.