Fig. 2.

Following the SAR-COV2 entering the respiratory system, the cascade of events as outlined in Fig. 1 proceeds, including secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, initiation of macrophages and response from dendritic cells, all of which contribute to the development of a cytokine storm, with the presence of high adiposity (obesity) or pre-existing conditions increasing risk of hospitalisation or death. As outlined above, lower adiposity reduces the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines which contribute to the storm. Furthermore, regular engagement in physical activity and exercise reduces risk of comorbidities and facilitates the release anti-inflammatory myokines due to muscle contraction, also reducing the likelihood of a cytokine storm following infection with SARS-COV2. Created with BioRender.com