Article by Dr Philippe Guérin, translated from French.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the strong links between obesity, diabetes, and the severity of the disease. Early on, studies revealed that a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 29 was a significant predictor of severe COVID-19 infection, even when accounting for other factors (1-3). Research has also shown that obesity increases the likelihood of younger patients developing severe forms of the illness (4).

Obesity and Inflammation

Adipose tissue (fat) in obese individuals is widely recognised as a source of pro-inflammatory factors. Abdominal fat, intramuscular fat (1-5), and fat in the liver (known as fatty liver disease) (6) all contribute to inflammation. This state of chronic inflammation plays a significant role in the cascade of complications associated with severe viral infections, including COVID-19.

Obesity and the Microbiota

In addition to inflammation, studies have shown that obesity is linked to alterations in the gut microbiota—the community of bacteria in the intestines. Obese individuals often have reduced biodiversity and an imbalance in their microbiota, which is closely associated with heightened inflammation. This altered microbiota environment contributes to making adipose tissue a reservoir for viral replication, compounding the severity of infection.

The Role of Prevention

Preventing severe forms of COVID-19 involves more than avoiding infection; maintaining a healthy weight and reducing inflammation are key. Fasting has been shown to have a positive effect on obesity, fatty liver disease, diabetes, and gut microbiota. By promoting a healthier microbiota and reducing chronic inflammation, fasting may help mitigate the risks of severe viral infections, including COVID-19.

To optimise your health and lower your risk:

• Strive for a moderate weight.

• Avoid fatty liver and manage blood sugar levels to prevent diabetes.

• Cultivate a diverse and healthy gut microbiota.

Fasting offers a practical and effective way to protect against severe complications of this disease by addressing these underlying health factors.

A Comprehensive Approach to Health

Dr Philippe Guérin supervises fasting retreats at the Fasting & Wellbeing Institute, where he takes a personalised and medicalised approach to sustainable weight loss and overall health. The retreats include stress-free preparation and support for building long-term dietary and lifestyle habits, making lasting health changes both achievable and manageable.

Sources

1. A. Simonnet et al., High Prevalence of Obesity in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-(SARS-CoV-2) Requiring Invasive Mechanical Ventilation. Obesity (Silver Spring) 28, 1195-1199 (2020).

2. C. Caussy, F. Wallet, M. Laville, E. Disse, Obesity is Associated with Severe Forms of COVID-19. Obesity (Silver Spring) 28, 1175 (2020).

3. B. Cariou et al., Phenotypic characteristics and prognosis of inpatients with COVID-19 and diabetes: the CORONADO study. Diabetologia, (2020).

4. D. A. Kass, P. Duggal, O. Cingolani, Obesity could shift severe COVID-19 disease to younger ages. Lancet 395, 1544-1545 (2020)

5. Y. Yang et al., Visceral Adiposity and High Intramuscular Fat Deposition Independently Predict Critical Illness in Patients with Sars-COV-2. Obesity (Silver Spring), (2020).

6. A. Palomar-Lever et al., Hepatic steatosis as an independent risk factor for severe disease in patients with COVID-19: A computed tomography study. JGH Open, (2020).

If you enjoyed this article, you might enjoy these too!