COVID-19 and Fast Foods Consumption: a Review

While all groups are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the aged people as well as those with underlying chronic medical conditions are at the greatest risk. The higher adherence to refined carbohydrate diets, sweats, and saturated fats contributes to the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes; these disorders increase the risk for severe COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Fast food consumption activates the intrinsic immune system and impairs adaptive immunity, leading to chronic inflammation and impaired host defence against viruses. Furthermore, inflammatory responses caused by COVID-19 may have long-term costs in survived individuals, leading to chronic disorders such as dementia and neurodegenerative disease through neuroinflammatory mechanisms that are related to an unhealthy diet. Therefore, now more than ever, wider access to healthy foods should be a main concern and individuals should be aware of healthy eating habits to reduce COVID-19 complications.

Automated summary

Older individuals and those with chronic medical conditions are at the highest risk for severe COVID-19 complications due to higher adherence to unhealthy diets leading to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Access to healthy foods and awareness of healthy eating habits are crucial in reducing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.