Obesity Modifies Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 in Primate Research

A comprehensive study investigating the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection in primates has revealed that prior obesity significantly influences the persistent effects of the virus. Researchers compared lean and obese adult male rhesus macaques over a six-month period following infection with the delta variant of the virus. Despite similar levels of viral load, antibody response, and inflammation markers in both groups, distinct metabolic and physiological changes emerged depending on the animals' metabolic health. Obese macaques showed heightened risks, including ongoing lung tissue damage and sustained weight loss, whereas lean animals exhibited notable metabolic disruptions, such as a sharp decline in the balance of adiponectin to leptin hormones, aligning their levels with those typical of obesity. Additionally, all animals experienced increased activity and restlessness post-infection, with a more pronounced effect in obese subjects, highlighting the widespread long COVID symptoms even after mild initial illness.

The findings, published in PLOS Pathogens and led by Charles Roberts of Oregon Health & Science University, underscore that long COVID may be more prevalent and diverse than previously believed, often going unnoticed due to its subtle physiological manifestations. The study emphasizes that effects of the virus are both obesity-dependent and independent, suggesting that long-term health impacts might persist long after the acute phase of COVID-19. Dr. Roberts highlighted the surprising extent of these adverse effects, even in cases of seemingly mild disease, and stressed the importance of ongoing monitoring of recovered patients to identify hidden signs of long COVID, particularly in those with underlying metabolic conditions. Moreover, the research establishes a valuable macaque model for studying long COVID, with future comparisons planned for newer variants like Omicron, which could help unravel the complex interactions between virus evolution and host health.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-obesity-term-effects-covid-primate.html