(RxWiki News) New research findings suggest that obesity is still increasing among adults in the United States. That comes with a lot of potential health problems — and one of them involves COVID-19.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity has continued to increase in US adults. And as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the agency warned that obesity can lead to worse outcomes in those who get the coronavirus.
In fact, obesity may lead to a tripled risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19, the CDC noted. On top of that, having a higher body mass index (BMI) was tied to an increased risk of death due to the coronavirus.
The CDC pointed out that obesity is also linked to lower immune system function.
In 2018, nine states had an adult obesity rate of more than 35 percent, according to the CDC. In 2019, that number jumped to 12 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia.
The CDC also noted that more Black and Hispanic adults reported having higher rates of obesity, and these groups often face higher risks from COVID-19.
The good news is that anyone can take steps to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Exercising and eating a healthy diet are two of the most common steps to take. And these measures can also promote higher immune function, which may be helpful against COVID-19.
Managing stress and getting enough sleep are two more important steps in weight management, the CDC noted.
If you are concerned about your weight, reach out to your health care provider before making any major lifestyle changes.
