Are America’s high obesity levels leading to more coronavirus deaths?

Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel weighs in on ‘America’s Newsroom.’

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its coronavirus risk warning to include people who are considered overweight, meaning over 70% of U.S. adults may be at an increased risk for severe illness related to COVID-19.

According to CDC statistics, over 71% of Americans aged 20 and older are considered overweight or obese. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index of between 30 and 40, with severe obesity being diagnosed when BMI is 40 or above. Being overweight, however, is classified as having a BMI greater than 25 but less than 30. The health agency now says that if you fall into that category, it “might increase your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.”

OBESITY CAN INCREASE CORONAVIRUS-RELATED DEATH RISK BY ALMOST 50%, STUDY FINDS

Other risk factors that might increase the risk of severe illness include asthma, cerebrovascular disease, cystic fibrosis, hypertension, immunocompromised state, neurologic conditions, liver disease, pregnancy, pulmonary fibrosis, thalassemia and Type 1 diabetes. 

Additionally, the CDC advises taking prescription medicines for overweight, obesity or severe obesity exactly as prescribed, following a health care providers recommendations for nutrition and physical activity while maintaining social distancing, calling health care provider of you have concerns or feel sick, and in the event that you don’t have a health care provider, contacting the nearest community health center or health department.

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