DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2021.v09i02.014

Pages: 248-252

Obesity is a global disease. This study explores the links between obesity and morbidity and mortality in COVID-19. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is caused by a single‐stranded RNA virus. Recent data suggest that people with obesity are at increased risk of severe COVID-19. Obesity increases risk for hospitalization, ICU admission, Invasive Mechanical Ventilation requirement and death among patients with COVID-19. This study also highlights the pathways by which complications arise in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A hyperinflammatory reaction through the excessive release of cytokines, a condition known as "cytokine storm is responsible for increased morbidity and mortality. We also discuss how severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 penetrates human cells through direct binding with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors on the cell surface. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expression in adipose tissue is higher than that in lung tissue, which means that adipose tissue may be vulnerable to COVID-19 infection.