Why is obesity so common in COVID-19 patients?

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-07/pbrc-wio072320.php

News Release 24-Jul-2020
Pennington Biomedical Research Center

A hormone that connects the body's metabolism and immune response system may explain why COVID-19 is so dangerous for people with obesity.

"The problem for people with obesity is that their leptin levels are always high, and that can affect the response to a COVID-19 infection," said Candida Rebello, PhD, RD, lead author of a new paper that traces the link between obesity and the virus.

The hormone leptin regulates appetite and metabolism. Leptin also regulates the cells that fight infection. Leptin is produced by fat cells, and to a lesser extent by tissues in the lungs. The more fat a person has, the more leptin circulates in their body.

Elevated leptin levels hamper the body's ability to fight off infections, in the lungs and elsewhere, Dr. Rebello said. High leptin levels promote a low-grade systemic inflammatory state.

"If you have obesity, there are a number of underlying health issues that make it more difficult for you to fight off a COVID-19 infection," said John Kirwan, PhD, Pennington Biomedical Executive Director and a co-author of the review. "Your entire body, including your lungs, may be inflamed. Your immune response is likely compromised, and your lung capacity reduced.

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