World Obesity Live - The collision of two pandemics: COVID-19 and obesity

In response to the current COVID-19 Pandemic, the World Obesity Federation and colleagues are launching a series of webinars on COVID-19 & Obesity.

Evidence is emerging that suggests that obesity-related conditions seem to worsen the effects of the virus; individuals with heart disease and diabetes are at higher risk of COVID-19 complications and  patient management for people  with obesity in intensive care units presents challenges for healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the front-line. These challenges will strain weak health systems that are already not well set up to manage patients with obesity (as reported by our MAPPS study published on Clinical Obesity),

The first webinar of the series presented the growing evidence for the worsening of COVID-19 symptoms amongst patients with obesity and explored the implications that may arise.

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Objectives

The objective of the webinar is to advance knowledge of the implications of COVID-19 for patients living with obesity. Presentations will address:

• Evidence for increased risk for COVID-19 complications for patients with obesity
• Evidence for special needs for patients with obesity
• Evidence for increased viral shedding, reduced response to vaccination for patients with obesity
• Research and policy issues for people with obesity

Speakers:

• Ada Cuevas MD, MSc – Chile
• Donna Ryan, MD – US, World Obesity Federation  
• Karine Clément MD, PhD – France
• Soo Lim, MD, PhD – Korea
• Steve Heymsfield MD – US

Chair:

• Johanna Ralston –  CEO, World Obesity Federation

Agenda:

• 13:00 - 13:03:
  • Welcome and introductions – Donna Ryan and Johanna Ralston
• 13:03 - 13:10:
  • WHO update on coronavirus and NCDs (tbc)
• 13:10 -13:20:
  • The science and evidence behind the association between COVID-19 and obesity   – Steve Heymsfield
  • Q&A from audience
• 13:20 - 13:30:
  • Issues affecting patients with obesity and COVID-19 – Karine Clément
  • Q&A from audience
• 13:30 - 13:40:
  • Lessons from early respondents to the coronavirus pandemic – Soo Lim
  • Q&A from audience
• 13:40 - 13:50:
  • The collision of the two pandemics in South America – Ada Cuevas
  • Q&A from audience
• 13:50 - 14:00:
  • Summary of the discussion, final questions and wrap up – Donna Ryan & Johanna Ralston