Obesity, COVID-19
 & Why Weight Loss
 is More Important
 Than Ever
The Obesity Epidemic
Before coronavirus, the U.S. was already fighting a pandemic—approximately 71% of Americans over the age of 20 are overweight or obese.
States with the highest obesity rates
States with the lowest obesity rates
The Obesity Rate Continues to Increase
The percentage of American adults (age 20 and over) who are obese—and severely obese—has increased steadily since the 1990s. A study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health predicts that nearly half of Americans will be obese by 2030.

The same study predicts that severe obesity—having a BMI of 35 or greater—will likely become the most common form of obesity among low-income adults.
1999-2000
2001-2002
2003-2004
2005-2006
2007-2008
2009-2010
2011-2012
2013-2014
2015-2016
2017-2018
OBESITY
%
SEVERE OBESITY
%
When Two Pandemics Collide
Obesity increases a person’s risk of numerous diseases and illnesses. Obesity has been associated with worse outcomes among people with COVID-19.
Obesity’s Impact on Heart, Lungs and Immunity
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Increased risk of stroke
  • Increased risk of respiratory illnesses
  • Decreased immune function
Obesity’s Impact on COVID-19 Outcomes
  • Increased risk of severe illness
  • Increased risk of respiratory failure
  • Increased risk of hospitalization
  • Increased risk of death
Social Determinants of Health
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are economic and social factors that impact the health of a community. SDOH have a significant impact on both obesity and COVID-19.
Healthcare Access
Food Access
Resource Access
Housing & Transportation
Economic Security
Healthcare Access
Strategies for Weight Loss
Although the causes of obesity are numerous and complex, there are factors you can control and effective strategies for losing weight. A study by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) found people who employed a combination of three strategies achieved the best results.
Diet
Reducing caloric intake by roughly 500 calories a day.
3 TIPS
1. Keep a food journal.
2. Plan healthy snacks.
3. Drink plenty of water.
Exercise
Getting 150+ minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week.
3 TIPS
1. Schedule your workouts.
2. Start small and increase over time.
3. Walk outside whenever possible.
Support
Working with a weight-loss counselor, either in-person or remotely.
3 TIPS
1. Work with your healthcare provider.
2. Join an online support group.
3. Find friends with similar goals.