COVID-19 and Obesity: Part 1
Podcast 1: Managing COVID-19 Risk in Individuals With Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity

Released: October 02, 2023

Donna H. Ryan
Donna H. Ryan, MD
Renslow Sherer
Renslow Sherer, MD

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In this podcast, experts Donna Ryan, MD, and Renslow Sherer, MD, discuss how to manage the health risks posed by COVID-19 infection and long COVID in individuals with metabolic syndrome or obesity.

First, Dr Ryan presents an overview of the relationship between COVID-19 and weight, including the mechanisms of how obesity may drive COVID-19 disease and how COVID-19 may in turn worsen obesity, through both immunologic and social or societal drivers.  Dr Ryan also discusses the relationship between obesity and the risk for long COVID. In his segment, Dr Sherer discusses COVID-19 vaccination and antiviral therapy within the context of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Dr Sherer also delves into detail on how obesity-related risk factors or comorbidities may affect treatment decisions and presents strategies on individualizing treatment, including in patients with long COVID.

This episode includes results from several reviews and meta-analyses examining the relationship between vaccination, as well as an observational study investigating the impact of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir therapy on long COVID in vaccinated patients.