Abstract

COVID19 is a pandemic that has affected all of humanity and is still far from being eradicated, despite efforts to vaccinate the population. Among infected patients whose symptoms worsen and require advanced intensive care; in addition to long hospital stays, there are people with obesity. Due to the high prevalence of people with obesity, both in developed and developing countries, and the different sequelae they experience due to the direct effect of the virus and the treatment they receive, it is necessary to understand the pathophysiology associated with the severity of the contagion, as well as treatment sequelae among intensive care patients with the goal of having a comprehensive view that aims to enhance the results of rehabilitation throughout the course of the disease. Post-discharge sequelae depend on the severity of the disease, previous comorbidities, and length of hospitalization. This review presents a global panorama of obese patients who become ill with COVID19 and who, after a prolonged hospitalization, return to normal daily routines. Emphasis is placed on the pathophysiology associated with prolonged immobilization of a patient with previous comorbidities and on rehabilitation strategies based on physical training adapted to the new health condition.