“The epidemic of obesity is impacting the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
At this point, you are well aware that President Donald Trump wound up in the hospital over the weekend after testing positive for COVID-19. You may have even seen him driving around, or appearing in public pretending to feel like a billion bucks.
The fact that Trump is over 70 years old and obese has been endlessly discussed, because both factors increase fatality rates from the disease. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that after months of quarantine, many more Americans are becoming more susceptible due to their widening belt lines. As of the end of September, there were 12 states where more than 35% of the population is obese. Two years ago, only nine states could boast the same accomplishment.
The growing problem affects communities of color at disproportionate rates, with obesity hitting more than a third of Black individuals in 34 states. Unsurprisingly, the increase in these rates is suspected to be related to the last six months, during which most Americans have been stuck in self-quarantine.
“The epidemic of obesity is impacting the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the CDC report. “Given the added risks associated with COVID-19, we need to support all individuals, especially members of racial and ethnic minority groups, to live active healthy lives.”
The CDC recommends limiting the amount of time that one spends sitting or laying down, while engaging in potentially stressful activities. Put that way, it sounds like this may be a good time to cut back on the rage-tweeting.
Zack is a veteran reporter. He writes for DigBoston and VICE, and formerly reported for the Boston Courant and Bulletin Newspapers.
