1. Climate Change, Obesity, and COVID-19—Global Crises with Catastrophic Consequences. Is This the Future?
- Author
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Sarah Cuschieri, Andrea Cuschieri, and Elizabeth Grech
- Subjects
obesity ,Atmospheric Science ,2019-20 coronavirus outbreak ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,coronavirus ,Obesity -- Risk factors ,Climate change ,COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020 ,Environmental Science (miscellaneous) ,medicine.disease_cause ,Crises -- Health aspects ,epidemics ,Global warming -- Health aspects ,COVID-19 (Disease) -- Risk factors ,Meteorology. Climatology ,Development economics ,medicine ,Economics ,Psychological stress ,Climatic changes -- Effect of human beings on ,COVID-19 ,medicine.disease ,Obesity ,climate change ,Greenhouse gas ,Narrative review ,QC851-999 - Abstract
Climate change and obesity were considered threats to our planet long before the onset of COVID-19. The recent pandemic has enhanced the global burden of both pre-existing crises. The aim of this narrative review is to explore the interaction between the three concurrent crises and the future of our planet should they not be dealt with accordingly. A PubMed and Google Scholar literature search was performed using different combinations of search strategies and using the keywords “obesity”, “climate/temperature change”, “cold/hot temperatures”, and “COVID-19”. High global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions link obesity and climate change as a result of the interplay between biological and behavioural factors. COVID-19 mitigation measures have indirectly impacted obesity and GHG emissions through the shift in dietary habits, restricted mobility, the impact on healthcare services, and enhanced psychological stress. Furthermore, COVID-19 has a more detrimental effect if acquired by an obese individual, with a higher chance of hospitalization and mechanical ventilation. This leads to higher GHG emissions and negative repercussions on the climate. A tri-directional relationship exists between obesity, climate change, and COVID-19. Various factors contribute to this relationship, but unless urgent global integrated action plans are implemented that target all three calamities, and not just COVID-19, a devastating and unsustainable future may ensue., peer-reviewed
- Published
- 2021