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The intersection of COVID-19 & obesity: immunological & clinical implications has revealed the heightened risks faced by individuals with excess weight during the pandemic. Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and impaired immune function, which can exacerbate the severity of COVID-19 infections. Increased adipose tissue serves as a reservoir for viral replication, prolonging infection and contributing to cytokine storm responses. Additionally, obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory dysfunction further increase the likelihood of severe complications, hospitalization, and mortality. Vaccination responses may also be altered in individuals with obesity due to immune dysregulation. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions, including prioritizing obesity management as a strategy for reducing the impact of future viral outbreaks.
