key: cord-0822306-ln6t374j
authors: Kwok, See; Adam, Safwaan; Ho, Jan Hoong; Iqbal, Zohaib; Turkington, Peter; Razvi, Salman; Le Roux, Carel W.; Soran, Handrean; Syed, Akheel A.
title: Obesity: A critical risk factor in the COVID‐19 pandemic
date: 2020-08-28
journal: Clin Obes
DOI: 10.1111/cob.12403
sha: 8e30a4f81a770ab3a73b44dce049bec0d8cced4e
doc_id: 822306
cord_uid: ln6t374j

Obesity is an emerging independent risk factor for susceptibility to and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Previous viral pandemics have shown that obesity, particularly severe obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m(2)), is associated with increased risk of hospitalization, critical care admission and fatalities. In this narrative review, we examine emerging evidence of the influence of obesity on COVID‐19, the challenges to clinical management from pulmonary, endocrine and immune dysfunctions in individuals with obesity and identify potential areas for further research. We recommend that people with severe obesity be deemed a vulnerable group for COVID‐19; clinical trials of pharmacotherapeutics, immunotherapies and vaccination should prioritize inclusion of people with obesity.

December 2019, 5 SARS-CoV-2 has spread globally. The novel coronavirus has similarities in its genetic sequence to SARS-CoV that caused the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic in 2003. 6 They both have the spike (S) protein of coronaviruses. The S protein is primed by cellular serine protease TMPRSS2, facilitating binding with angiotensinconverting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor to gain cellular entry. 6, 7 Compared to SARS-CoV, the novel SARS-CoV-2 has higher affinity for ACE2, 8 and it is thus more readily transmissible. Despite the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2, currently there is no evidence to show that ACE-inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers contribute to infection.

The commonest presenting symptoms of COVID-19 have consistently been fever (98%) and dry cough (70%). 9 Respiratory manifestations of severe COVID-19 include pneumonia, pulmonary embolism and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). All age groups may be infected and median age of hospitalized cohorts varies from 47 to 63 years. [9] [10] [11] Infection is more common in men with reported prevalence of 58% to 68%. 10, 12, 13 In one intensive care unit (ICU) cohort from Italy, 82% were men. 14 The higher prevalence of men in hospitalized population needing critical care may also reflect difference in disease severity between the sexes.

The median age of death from the disease was 75 years. 9 Mortality rates were reported as 2.3% in Hubei Province; however, infection fatality rates were higher elsewhere at, for example, 26% in an Italian ICU. 13, 14 Clinically, COVID-19 causes lymphocytopaenia (up to 82% of patients), elevations of inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, interleukins and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). 8, 9 It has been suggested that patients more likely to progress to critical disease have higher initial levels of inflammatory markers and D-dimer. 15, 16 It is recognized that a sub-group of COVID-19 patients develop a hyperinflammatory syndrome, or 'cytokine storm', with sustained excess production of cytokines and chemokines which may lead to ARDS and multi-organ failure. These patients require critical care and are less likely to survive. 15, 17 Early indicators of the syndrome may include exceptionally high levels of interleukins, ferritin and D-dimer from the outset at hospital admission. 18, 19 While obesity is associated with a chronic lowgrade inflammatory state, whether this drives patients with obesity towards a potentially more extreme clinical course is uncertain.

Comorbidities are associated with severe COVID-19; while they were recorded in 24% to 51% of hospitalized patients, 10,12,15 they were noted in 68% to 72% of ICU patients. 14, 20 The common comorbidities recorded in reports from China (and elsewhere) included hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus, 20 all of which are known to be associated with obesity and indeed obesity itself is increasingly recognized as both a comorbidity and a risk factor. 21 Many early reports of the current COVID-19 pandemic do not include anthropometric information; however, more recent reports have identified obesity as a predictor of hospitalization. 16 In a study from Lille in France, people with obesity were significantly overrepresented among patients admitted to ICU with COVID-19 compared to non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory disease in previous years (47.5% vs 25.8%). 22 Furthermore, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation, a surrogate for the severity of SARS-CoV-2, increased with rising levels of obesity, reaching nearly 90% in patients with a BMI > 35 kg/m 2 . Similar associations of obesity and disease severity were observed in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in China and the United States. [23] [24] [25] A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies with a combined total of 3027 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection found that male sex, age over 65 years, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory diseases were associated with worse disease while another meta-analysis of 14 studies found that obesity was also a predictor of mortality ( Figure 1) . 26, 27 These findings were similar to those in a UK report of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. 28 There is mounting concern of higher incidence of COVID-19 and worse outcomes in people from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. 29, 30 While socioeconomic, cultural, or lifestyle factors, genetic predisposition, or pathophysiological differences in susceptibility or response to infection have been mooted, 29 another factor may be the higher prevalence of metabolic disorders among ethnic minorities of normal weight. 31, 32 Both 'normal weight obesity' and 'metabolically unhealthy normal weight' have been used to classify normal weight individuals with manifestations of metabolic syndrome such as insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, and hypertension. [33] [34] [35] This cohort of patients are characterized by a metabolically unhealthy fat distribution with increased visceral adiposity but reduced lower-body fat mass. 36, 37 Furthermore, elevated percentage body fat has been linked with increased cardiometabolic dysregulation and mortality, even among patients of normal weight. 35 

Obesity is associated with infection and hospitalization due to respiratory viruses such as coronavirus, influenza, parainfluenza, metapneumovirus and rhinovirus. 38, 39 It was acknowledged to be an independent risk factor in the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. 40, 41 Previous viral pandemics have shown that obesity, particularly severe obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m 2 ), is associated with increased risk of hospitalization, ICU admission and fatalities, [42] [43] [44] and individuals with obesity have a greater than 6-fold increase in odds of hospitalization compared to normal-weight adults. 38 Emerging evidence indicates that obesity is also a risk factor for the current SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.

Obesity contributes to worse disease outcome in viral infections.

Obesity has been found to be associated with increased frequency of both upper respiratory tract infections (adjusted OR 1.55) and lower respiratory tract infections (adjusted OR 2.02). 45 In a mouse model, when diet-induced obese (DIO) mice and lean mice were infected with mouse-adapted influenza virus, the DIO mice had greater mortality than the lean mice (42% vs 5.5%). 46 When two non-pandemic influenza seasons were examined, an association was found between BMI and disease severity. In the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 influenza seasons, associations of obesity and severe disease were OR 1.14 and OR 1.24 respectively. 41 Indeed, it was noted during the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009 that, whereas there was no evidence that people with obesity had increased susceptibility to infection, 47 obesity was nevertheless a risk factor for more severe disease and increased pulmonary complications. 41, 44, 48 Mortality rates were also significantly higher, especially in those with severe obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m 2 ). 39, 43 It is well recognized that in critically ill ICU patients admitted with any cause, patients with obesity have an increased risk of developing ARDS. 49, 50 Unexpectedly, although these patients may have worse morbidity outcomes, their mortality rates are not increased. This 'obesity paradox' has been affirmed in meta-analyses but the mechanisms remain unclear. [51] [52] [53] [54] [55] [56] Nonetheless, during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, this paradox phenomenon was not observed in ICU patients with obesity infected with the virus. 39, 43 It is likely that similar pictures will emerge in the current COVID-19 pandemic and patients with obesity lose the survival advantage when they contract the virus. Patients with obesity tend to have more comorbidities which may be a contributory factor to poorer outcomes. Furthermore, the mechanical effects of obesity on respiration (discussed further in the next section) may outweigh any potential protection from catabolic effects of severe disease that may accrue from excess energy stores. Another factor may be the dysregulated immune response in patients with obesity to viral infections, particularly impaired T-cell mediated immunity. This is discussed later in section entitled 'Obesity and Immune Function'.

Obesity affects respiratory function through a number of mechanisms ( Figure 2 ), such as pulmonary restriction, ventilation-perfusion mismatch and respiratory muscle fatigue, which can lead to reductions in ventilatory capacity and increases in the load placed upon it; furthermore, respiratory drive can be reduced. These complications increase the risk of obesity hypoventilation syndrome, 57 particularly in those with severe obesity. Obesity is also frequently associated with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. 57 It has been demonstrated that a 10% increase in weight is associated with a 32% increase in the apnoea-hypopnoea index and a 6-fold increase in the risk of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea. 58 Central obesity and excess visceral fat adversely affect both chest wall and lung compliance due to accumulation of fat deposits within the thorax and in the abdominal cavity. 59 Movements of the diaphragm and chest wall are restricted by the thoracic wall and intra-abdominal fat mass resulting in reduced resting volume of the lung (functional residual capacity). 59 These changes in body mechanics and pulmonary function, coupled with a potentially dysfunctional immune system and increased likelihood of comorbidities in obesity, predispose patients with obesity to respiratory infections.

A previous study showed that intubation of individuals with obesity was more challenging than lean counterparts. 60 Additionally, the propensity towards atelectasis in patients with obesity makes managing critical respiratory support challenging in these patients. 61 It is accepted that in critical care prone-positioning improves air entry to posterior lung regions and drainage of airway secretions, improving gas exchange and survival in patients with ARDS. 62 Prone-positioning has been recommended in mechanically ventilated COVID-19

patients. 63 Patients with obesity benefit from this technique although the mandatory regular turning of a sedated patient with obesity can be physically demanding for ICU staff. In a single centre ICU study it was shown that prone-positioning in ARDS patients improved partial arterial oxygen pressure significantly more in patients with obesity than healthy-weight patients. 64 Additionally upper chest and pelvic F I G U R E 1 Major determinants of critical illness in COVID-19. The size of each SARS-CoV-2 virion (electron micrograph; credit: NIAID, National Institutes of Health, USA) depicts odds ratio of developing critical vs non-critical COVID-19. 26,27 *Odds ratio for advanced respiratory support in people with body mass index ≥25 kg/m 2 . † Age > 65 years supports are usually required in patients with obesity to avoid abdominal compression and the bed is frequently placed in the reverse Trendelenburg position to lessen transdiaphragmatic pressure and atelectasis. 50 

Obesity and chronic inflammation are also closely related to endothelial dysfunction, which is both a contributor and consequence of proinflammatory pathway activation. Host infection of SARS-CoV-2 occurs through the ACE2 receptor, which is expressed in multiple organs including the lungs, heart, kidneys, as well as the endothelial cells. 65 SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to be capable of directly infecting engineered human blood vessel tissue cultures, 66 

Obesity is a known risk factor for thrombotic disorders such as venous thromboembolism (VTE) including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, cardiovascular disease and stroke, and an independent predictor of myocardial infarction irrespective of sex, age, and ethnicity. Obesity-driven chronic inflammation and impaired fibrinolysis appear to be major effector mechanisms of thrombosis in obesity. 68 It is thought that the pro-inflammatory and hypofibrinolytic effects of obesity may be exacerbated by dysregulated expression and secretion of adipokines and microRNAs.

An early study from Wuhan reported that mortality from COVID-19 was associated with significantly higher levels of D-dimer and fibrin degradation product (FDP) and prolongation of prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times on admission compared to survivors 69 ; 71.4% of non-survivors compared to 0.6% survivors had disseminated intravascular coagulation. The reported incidence of VTE in COVID-19 ranges up to 8% in general wards, up to 35% in the ICU setting, and up to 58% in consecutive autopsies in patients in whom VTE was not suspected before death (reviewed by Marietta et al). 70 Intriguingly, it has been speculated that in patients with severe/critical COVID-19 disease there develops a 'consumptive fibrinolysis' due to F I G U R E 2 Potential mechanisms that augment risk of critical illness and death from COVID-19 in people with obesity. There are a number of potential mechanisms by which obesity may influence adverse outcomes from COVID-19. These include chronic inflammation, impairment of respiratory function and pulmonary perfusion, practical considerations when managing obese patients in critical care settings, immune dysregulation, metabolic and vascular complications of obesity and relative reductions in key hormones. TNF-α, tumour necrosis factor alpha; FRC, functional residual capacity overwhelming levels of fibrin and misfolded proteins/necrotic tissue in the lung, suggesting a clinical paradox where plasmin formation can be either deleterious or beneficial in COVID-19, but not at the same time. 71 In hospitalized patients with COVID-19, low molecular weight heparin (preferred) or unfractionated heparin at prophylactic doses for prevention of VTE is recommended by the World Health Organization 72 and several scientific societies (reviewed by Marietta et al). 70 There is also limited evidence of benefit from enhanced platelet inhibition treatment with aspirin, clopidogrel, tirofiban and the factor Xa inhibitor fondaparinux. 73 

Obesity is associated with increased production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, interleukins and interferons that characterize chronic low-grade inflammation, which impair immune responses, both innate and adaptive. A hyperinflammatory response in which there are raised levels of interleukins and TNF-α has been associated with increased mortality from COVID-19. 74 The chronic inflammation in patients with obesity is speculated to be contributory to the observed increased mortality due to a potential enhancement of the inflammatory response to COVID-19 infection and induced disturbances in T-cell mediated immunity. 75, 76 Indeed, obesity has been associated with increased activation of pro-inflammatory T-helper 80 The T-cell response is increasingly being postulated as being pivotal in reducing susceptibility to and adversity from SARS-CoV-2 81-83 and impaired T-cell immunity may be key to obesity-related detriment in relation to COVID-19.

Obesity is characterized by adipose tissue remodelling, 84 and proinflammatory alteration of the adipokine profile. 85 The resultant imbalance between pro-and anti-inflammatory adipokines have been implicated as key to obesity being a major risk factor for acute lung injury. 85, 86 Leptin, a pro-inflammatory adipokine produced primarily by white adipocytes, is closely related to the immune system, playing a regulatory role in T-cell activation and cytokine production. 87 The impairment in host defence against pulmonary infections is thought to relate to leptin resistance resulting from prolonged hyperleptinaemia. 88 Indeed, leptin resistance in T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and peripheral blood monocytes have been demonstrated in obesity. [89] [90] [91] [92] Adiponectin has anti-inflammatory properties and exerts favourable effects on insulin sensitivity. 65 Reduced adiponectin levels have been observed among both patients of normal weight and obesity in the presence of cardiometabolic dysregulation. 93 Adiponectin functions as a regulator of macrophage polarization from proinflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, 94 and low levels in obesity have been associated with adverse outcomes in patients with emphysema, asthma, and respiratory failure in the critical care setting. 95 Adiponectin deficiency has also been demonstrated to increase lung inflammation and reduce clearance of apoptotic cells in animal models. 96 It is of note that adiponectin levels in metabolically healthy individuals with obesity (MHO) are higher than those with impaired metabolic health 93 ; it is the latter group that is predisposed to increased risk of pneumonia and worse outcome in COVID-19. 97 

Adipose tissue is an active organ that plays an important role in several important physiological functions that are mediated through hormones and adipocytokines. 98 Obesity is associated with several endocrine alterations that arise as a result of changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary hormonal axes. These include hypogonadism, hypothyroidism and cortisol deficiency (Figure 2) , which may have a role in mediating the adverse relationship between obesity and COVID-19 outcomes.

Testosterone concentrations are lower in older men, 99 and in men with severe obesity of all ages. 100 While low testosterone is associated with reduced respiratory muscle activity and exercise capacity 101 and higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, 102 testosterone replacement therapy improves peak oxygen consumption 103 and reduces cytokine levels. 102 Therefore, the hypothesis arises that low testosterone in ageing men with obesity may have a role in the cytokine storm of SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to more severe disease. It

is not yet known, however, if testosterone is beneficial in the treatment of COVID-19 in men with obesity and low testosterone levels.

Furthermore, a contrary hypothesis of testosterone-driven COVID-19 progression also exists. 104 This is based on androgen receptor activation of a protease that is crucial for COVID-19 viral spread. 105 It is thus postulated that it is the higher testosterone levels observed in men that leads to their higher mortality outcomes. More research is needed to elucidate the exact relationship between testosterone and COVID-19 before any definite conclusions can be drawn.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid hormone axis may be affected by both obesity and significant illness. Conversely, the treatment of thyroid dysfunction may also be associated with weight gain. 106 Obesity is associated with a rise in serum thyrotropin (thyroid stimulating hormone; TSH) level although thyroid hormones tend to remain stable or may even be mildly elevated. 107 In illness thyroid function tends to be abnormal, typically leading to reduction in TSH and triiodothyronine (T3) levels in the initial phase. This dampening down of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid pathway has historically been considered as an adaptive response to reduce metabolism and conserve energy. However, some experts have questioned this view as those with the lowest serum T3 levels have the worst outcomes. 108 The reduction in T3 levels seems to mirror the rise in inflammatory cytokines seen in acute illness. 109 Controversy continues as to whether thyroid hormone therapy has beneficial or detrimental effects in euthyroid individuals with obesity undergoing caloric deprivation and in euthyroid adult patients during non-thyroidal illnesses. 110 One randomized controlled trial of T3 therapy in patients with heart failure and low circulating T3 levels demonstrated a significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction and improvement in inflammatory markers. 111 There is no data, as yet, to suggest that abnormal thyroid function, particularly in people with obesity infected with SARS-CoV-2, is associated with adverse outcomes. Therefore, it remains to be seen if patients with obesity and COVID-19 infection and low serum T3 levels benefit from T3 supplementation.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is intimately involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and bodyweight, 112 118 However, dexamethasone treatment in this context is likely to work via its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions rather than any possible effects on the pathophysiology of COVID-19.

The role of trace elements and vitamins in COVID-19 has drawn the attention of the scientific community and the lay public. A large body of data show that vitamins, including vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and folate, trace elements, including zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, and copper, and omega-3 fatty acids play important and complementary roles in supporting the immune system. 119 Vitamin D deficiency, in particular, has been mooted as a potential contributor to susceptibility to COVID-19. 120 Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is 35% greater in people with obesity compared to healthy-weight individuals and is associated with obesity irrespective of age, latitude, cut-offs to define vitamin D deficiency and the Human Development Index of the study location. 121 Rates of vitamin D deficiency are markedly high in people with severe obesity and potential bariatric surgical candidates in northern latitudes. 122 Further research into screening and treating vitamin D deficiency to reduce COVID-19 risk is warranted. While some small observational studies, which did not control for potential confounding factors such as BMI or underlying health issues, have reported that inadequately-treated vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of COVID-19, a large-scale population study of UK Biobank participants reported that vitamin D was weakly associated with COVID-19 infection on univariable analysis, but not after adjustment for confounders. 123 A rapid review from Oxford found no clinical evidence related to vitamin D deficiency predisposing to COVID-19, nor evidence in favour of supplementation for preventing or treating COVID-19. 124 An evidence review from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence concluded that there is no evidence to support taking vitamin D supplements to specifically prevent or treat COVID-19. 125 However, all people should continue to follow public health advice for the general population on vitamin D supplementation, 126 to prevent vitamin D deficiency and maintain bone and muscle health during the COVID-19 pandemic, irrespective of any possible link with respiratory infection.

There remains a need to develop effective treatment and a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. Obesity poses potential difficulties for both. It is often overlooked as a cause of suboptimal treatment in infectious diseases owing to its adverse influence on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of drugs, as well as their efficacy and safety. 127 Even as obesity becomes a global phenomenon, the effects obesity has on drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and clearance are not completely understood, 128 and dosing recommendations for patients with obesity are often not provided in pharmaceutical drug information sheets. Lower vaccine efficacy has been reported in people with obesity following the H1N1 pandemic. 38 While there was no significant difference in antibody titres between people with obesity and healthy-weight individuals 1 month after H1N1 vaccination, people with obesity had a 4-fold or greater decline in antibody titres compared to healthy-weight individuals at 12 months post-vaccination. 129 Obesity is associated with T cell dysfunction and the impaired response means a proportion of individuals with obesity remains at risk of influenza despite vaccination. 130 A similar risk with a future COVID-19 vaccine would be concerning. Importantly, the typical participant in the recently published early phase trials of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 was normal weight. [131] [132] [133] Although these trials have shown promising results, applying their findings to populations with high background prevalence of obesity -40% in the United States, 29% in England and 13% globallycarries a degree of uncertainty which may hopefully be addressed in Phase 3 trials.

The benefits of weight-loss on complications of obesity, insulin resistance and systemic inflammation are well-documented, especially after bariatric surgery. [134] [135] [136] However, even short-term small amounts of weight-loss can show substantial metabolic benefits. 137 This is particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic; it is essential that weight-loss is encouraged as a public health intervention, albeit even if only small changes are feasible. Healthcare professionals should discuss weight-loss goals and methods with patients with obesity; this can be done using virtual and telephonic consultations with the patient's own weighing scale as a reference. Patients should be encouraged to make lifestyle changes focused on nutritional modification, calorie restriction and augmentation of exercise;

individualized approaches are likely to yield most benefit. Bariatric surgery should be considered where clinically appropriate as it leads to improvements in obesity-related metabolic comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance and inflammation. 136, 138 It slows the atherosclerotic process and reduces cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Recent data have demonstrated regression of the microvascular complications of obesity and diabetes, including regeneration of small nerve fibres after bariatric surgery. 138 A recent consensus statement provides guidance on bariatric surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. 139 With the current public awareness about the risks of death from COVID-19 in persons with obesity, there may be an added motivation for patients to partake in weightloss programs. Conversely, this public awareness can provide a source of anxiety for these patients and therefore the benefits of any amount of weight-loss should be emphasized to patients to aid their general well-being.

Our current understanding of obesity as an independent risk factor for severity of COVID-19 is borne out of observational studies.

Further research is necessary to better elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie this increased risk. Urgent research is also required into pharmacotherapeutics for COVID-19 in people with obesity to better understand efficacy and failure of antiviral drugs, immunotherapies and vaccines. Whether significant weight loss in people with obesity, particularly massive weight loss after bariatric surgery, influences outcomes of COVID-19 remains to be seen and needs further study. Ultimately, research into the biological, psychological, socio-cultural and economic drivers of obesity and its management are essential for building societal resilience to future pandemics.

Obesity is a risk factor in viral pandemics and infected patients with obesity have a worse disease prognosis. COVID-19 is no exception and a report has just been published by Public Health England on the associations of excess weight with COVID-19. 140 During pandemics individuals with obesity should be included as one of the clinically vul- 

Risk of COVID-19 for patients with obesity

Obesity and Overweight; 2020. Geneva: World Health Organization

Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, and Severe Obesity Among Adults Aged 20 and Over: United States

London: House of Commons Library

A novel coronavirus outbreak of global health concern

A pneumonia outbreak associated with a new coronavirus of probable bat origin

SARS-CoV-2 cell entry depends on ACE2 and TMPRSS2 and is blocked by a clinically proven protease inhibitor

Insight into 2019 novel coronavirus -An updated interim review and lessons from SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV

A review of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) based on current evidence

Comorbidity and its impact on 1590 patients with Covid-19 in China: a nationwide analysis

The Italian coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak: recommendations from clinical practice

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 99 cases of 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia in Wuhan, China: a descriptive study

Epidemiology, causes, clinical manifestation and diagnosis, prevention and control of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during the early outbreak period: a scoping review

Baseline characteristics and outcomes of 1591 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 admitted to ICUs of the Lombardy region

Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan

Factors associated with hospital admission and critical illness among 5279 people with coronavirus disease 2019 in New York city: prospective cohort study

Elevated levels of IL-6 and CRP predict the need for mechanical ventilation in COVID-19

Clinical predictors of mortality due to COVID-19 based on an analysis of data of 150 patients from Wuhan

Clinical course and risk factors for mortality of adult inpatients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: a retrospective cohort study

Prevalence of comorbidities and its effects in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Obesity a risk factor for severe COVID-19 infection: multiple potential mechanisms

High prevalence of obesity in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. Obesity (Silver Spring)

Clinical findings of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in Jiangsu province, China: A retrospective, multi-center study

Obesity and COVID-19 severity in a designated hospital in Shenzhen

Association of obesity with disease severity among patients with COVID-19. Obesity (Silver Spring)

Risk factors of critical & mortal COVID-19 cases: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Clinical findings of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in Jiangsu province, China: A retrospective, multi-center study

Features of 20 133 UK patients in hospital with covid-19 using the ISARIC WHO clinical characterisation protocol: prospective observational cohort study

Is ethnicity linked to incidence or outcomes of covid-19?

Evidence mounts on the disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on ethnic minorities

Cardiometabolic abnormalities among normal-weight persons from five racial/ethnic groups in the United States: a cross-sectional analysis of two cohort studies

Normal weight obesity: an underrecognized problem in individuals of South Asian descent

The concept of normal weight obesity

Normal-weight obesity syndrome: diagnosis, prevalence, and clinical implications

Normal weight obesity and mortality in United States subjects ≥60 years of age (from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey)

Causes, characteristics, and consequences of metabolically unhealthy normal weight in humans

Causes, consequences, and treatment of metabolically unhealthy fat distribution

Underweight, overweight, and obesity as independent risk factors for hospitalization in adults and children from influenza and other respiratory viruses

Risk factors for severe outcomes following 2009 influenza a (H1N1) infection: a global pooled analysis

Obesity and susceptibility to severe outcomes following respiratory viral infection

Obesity as a risk factor for severe influenza-like illness

A novel risk factor for a novel virus: obesity and 2009 pandemic influenza a (H1N1)

Obesity is associated with higher risk of intensive care unit admission and death in influenza A (H1N1) patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Adult intensive-care patients with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection

Obesity and risk of respiratory tract infections: results of an infection-diary based cohort study

Diet-induced obese mice have increased mortality and altered immune responses when infected with influenze virus

Investigating obesity as a risk factor for influenza-like illness during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic using the Health Survey for England

Intensive care adult patients with severe respiratory failure caused by influenza A (H1N1)v in Spain

Body mass index is associated with the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome

ARDS in obese patients: specificities and management

Effect of obesity on intensive care morbidity and mortality: a meta-analysis

Extreme obesity and outcomes in critically ill patients

The association between body mass index, processes of care, and outcomes from mechanical ventilation: a prospective cohort study

The association between obesity and outcomes in critically ill patients

Obesity in critically ill patients is associated with increased need of mechanical ventilation but not with mortality

Obesity paradox" in acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and metaanalysis

Obesity and the lung: 3. Obesity, respiration and intensive care

Longitudinal study of moderate weight change and sleep-disordered breathing

The effect of obesity on lung function

Comparing ease of intubation in obese and lean patients using intubation difficulty scale

Obesity in the critically ill: a narrative review

Prone positioning in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome

Intensive care management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): challenges and recommendations

Feasibility and effectiveness of prone position in morbidly obese patients with ARDS: a case-control clinical study

High expression of ACE2 receptor of 2019-nCoV on the epithelial cells of oral mucosa

Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infections in engineered human tissues using clinical-grade soluble human ACE2

Pulmonary vascular endothelialitis, thrombosis, and angiogenesis in Covid-19

Mechanisms of thrombosis in obesity

Abnormal coagulation parameters are associated with poor prognosis in patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia

COVID-19, coagulopathy and venous thromboembolism: more questions than answers

Fibrinolysis and COVID-19: a plasmin paradox

Clinical management of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) when COVID-19 disease is suspected: interim guidance

Enhanced platelet inhibition treatment improves hypoxemia in patients with severe Covid-19 and hypercoagulability. A case control, proof of concept study

Lessons learned to date on COVID-19 hyperinflammatory syndrome: considerations for interventions to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and detrimental hyperinflammation

COVID-19 and the role of chronic inflammation in patients with obesity

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus drive immune dysfunction, infection development, and sepsis mortality

Regulation, communication, and functional roles of adipose tissue-resident CD4+ T cells in the control of metabolic homeostasis

Tissue immune cells fuel obesity-associated inflammation in adipose tissue and beyond

Obesity expands a distinct population of T cells in adipose tissue and increases vulnerability to infection

Single-cell sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells reveals distinct immune response landscapes of COVID-19 and influenza patients

Humoral and circulating follicular helper T cell responses in recovered patients with COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell immunity in cases of COVID-19 and SARS, and uninfected controls

SARS-CoV-2 T cell immunity: specificity, function, durability, and role in protection

Adipocyte morphology and implications for metabolic derangements in acquired obesity

Adipokines in obesity

NHLBI Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Network. The association between BMI and plasma cytokine levels in patients with acute lung injury

Early identification of patients at risk of acute lung injury: evaluation of lung injury prediction score in a multicenter cohort study

Leptin replacement therapy modulates circulating lymphocyte subsets and cytokine responsiveness in severe lipodystrophy

Obesity and respiratory infections: does excess adiposity weigh down host defense

Expression of the long and short leptin receptor isoforms in peripheral blood mononuclear cells: implications for leptin's actions

Leptin receptor expression and signaling in lymphocytes: kinetics during lymphocyte activation, role in lymphocyte survival, and response to high fat diet in mice

Resistance of Janus kinase-2 dependent leptin signaling in natural killer (NK) cells: a novel mechanism of NK cell dysfunction in diet-induced obesity

Adiponectin levels differentiate metabolically healthy vs unhealthy among obese and nonobese white individuals

Adiponectin promotes macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype

Plasma adiponectin and mortality in critically ill subjects with acute respiratory failure

Alveolar macrophage activation and an emphysema-like phenotype in adiponectin-deficient mice

Obesity and impaired metabolic health in patients with COVID-19

Adiponectin, leptin, and fatty acids in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis through adipose tissue crosstalk

Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism: an endocrine society clinical practice guideline

Male sexual dysfunction in obesity: the role of sex hormones and small fibre neuropathy

Androgens are bronchoactive drugs that act by relaxing airway smooth muscle and preventing bronchospasm

The relationship between circulating testosterone and inflammatory cytokines in men

Effect of long-acting testosterone treatment on functional exercise capacity, skeletal muscle performance, insulin resistance, and Baroreflex sensitivity in elderly patients with chronic heart failure a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is likely to be androgen mediated

SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are primarily expressed in bronchial transient secretory cells

Weight gain following treatment of hyperthyroidism -a forgotten tale

Thyroid function in humans with morbid obesity

Association between increased mortality and mild thyroid dysfunction in cardiac patients

Rapid downregulation of thyroid hormones in acute myocardial infarction: is it cardioprotective in patients with angina?

Thyroid hormone therapy for obesity and nonthyroidal illnesses: a systematic review

Effects of triiodothyronine replacement therapy in patients with chronic stable heart failure and low-triiodothyronine syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Glucocorticoid sensitivity: the hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal-tissue axis

Long-term cortisol levels measured in scalp hair of obese patients

Hair cortisol and adiposity in a population-based sample of 2,527 men and women aged 54 to 87 years

COVID-19, hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis and clinical implications

Molecular mimicry of ACTH in SARS -implications for corticosteroid treatment and prophylaxis

Association between high serum total cortisol concentrations and mortality from COVID-19

Dexamethasone in hospitalized patients with Covid-19 -preliminary report

Optimal nutritional status for a well-functioning immune system is an important factor to protect against viral infections

Evidence that vitamin D supplementation could reduce risk of influenza and COVID-19 infections and deaths

Obesity and vitamin D deficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Vitamin D status after gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy over 4 years of follow-up

Vitamin D concentrations and COVID-19 infection in UK Biobank

Vitamin D: A rapid review of the evidence for treatment or prevention in COVID-19

Covid 19 rapid evidence summary: vitamin D for covid-19 evidence summary. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition

Obesity and Covid-19: the unseen risks

The effects of obesity on drug pharmacokinetics in humans

Obesity is associated with impaired immune response to influenza vaccination in humans

Obesity impairs the adaptive immune response to influenza virus

Safety and immunogenicity of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2: a preliminary report of a phase 1/2, single-blind, randomised controlled trial

Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a recombinant adenovirus type-5 vectored COVID-19 vaccine: a dose-escalation, open-label, non-randomised, first-in-human trial

An mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 -preliminary report

Effect of Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery on lipoproteins, insulin resistance, and systemic and vascular inflammation in obesity and diabetes

Bariatric surgery as a model to explore the basis and consequences of the Reaven hypothesis: small, dense low-density lipoprotein and interleukin-6. Diab Vasc Dis Res

Medical and surgical management of obesity and diabetes: what's new?

Effects of moderate and subsequent progressive weight loss on metabolic function and adipose tissue biology in humans with obesity

Metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes of bariatric surgery

Bariatric and metabolic surgery during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: DSS recommendations for management of surgical candidates and postoperative patients and prioritisation of access to surgery

Excess weight and COVID-19: insights from new evidence. London: Public Health England

Obesity: A critical risk factor in the COVID-19 pandemic