The impact of obesity on the cellular and molecular pathophysiology of COVID-19

P Dhanraj; R Pitere; M S Pepper

doi:10.7196/SAMJ.2021.v111i2.15398

Review

The impact of obesity on the cellular and molecular pathophysiology of COVID-19

P Dhanraj, R Pitere, M S Pepper

Abstract

Emerging evidence reveals a strong association between COVID-19 and obesity in terms of disease severity, need for hospitalisation and risk of mortality. In this review, we discuss cellular and molecular mechanisms potentially contributing to the pathophysiology of COVID-19 in obese patients. Understanding the relationship between COVID-19 and obesity is pertinent for the clinical management of these patients.

Authors' affiliations

P Dhanraj, Department of Immunology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa

R Pitere, Department of Immunology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa

M S Pepper, Department of Immunology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa