Journal of General Practice

Obesity and Anxiety in COVID-19 Disease: Possibilities of Prevention with Hygienic-Dietary Interventions

Abstract

Sivaropoulos Nektarios*, Kalogridakis Georgios, Aligizakis Eutyxios, and Gryllaki Nicoletta

Purpose: Obesity, stress, poor adherence to dietary rules and lack of exercise during the necessary distancing measures to limit the spread
adversely affect the course of COVID-19 disease, according to available medical literature. The purpose of our study is to detect how the above
factors increase the severity of the disease and to suggest options for addressing this critical problem.
Methods: We conducted a bibliography review of 50 articles, from studies related to obesity, stress, nutrition and COVID-19 Disease in
the Databases (PubMed, Embassy, MEDLINE and Cochrane) and we selected, finally, 17 articles that matched and harmonized with our
research question.
Results: During lockdowns, Obesity and less disposition to perform physical exercise, increases vulnerability of COVID-19 patients, as
produces and exacerbates anxiety, depression, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, psychotic symptoms and suicidal ideations. The above
findings are due in part to social determinants of human health status. The Mediterranean diet seems to outperform the Western diet but
there is a need for more research. The recommendations that result from studies and benefit the patient with COVID-19 disease consist in the
application of a hypo caloric diet that improves metabolic health and respiratory function with adequate intake of micronutrients and fiber,
vitamins. Also necessary is the intake of trace elements such as Copper, Zinc which limits the reproduction of the virus and Omega-3 lipids.
Moderate aerobic exercise is recommended, which decreases inflammatory cytokines and enhances the immunity response. Treating
stress with relaxation techniques, behavioral psychotherapy and medication when needed is crucial.
Conclusions: Drastic measures are needed to regulate the weight of citizens, with hygienic and dietary measures, by
strengthening the idea of exercise and systematic aerobic activity, which will be extremely beneficial for the prevention of COVID-19
and will benefit even more the most vulnerable groups-citizens with increased vulnerability due to multi-disease. Finally, it is necessary to
preserve the mental health of citizens and to develop psychosocial interventions that will strengthen the mental and social health of the most
vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.