By GSN Staff

The prevalence of adult obesity is increasing in the United States, according to a new report from the CDC.

This is a concern because obesity puts people at risk for many comorbidities, and adults who are obese are at heightened risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, according to the CDC.

Twelve states now have an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. It was nine states in 2018 and only six states in 2017, according to the CDC.

Combined data from 2017-2019 show notable racial and ethnic disparities: 

• 34 states and the District of Columbia had an obesity prevalence of 35% or higher among non-Hispanic Black adults;
• 15 states had an obesity prevalence of 35% or higher among Hispanic adults; and
• six states had an obesity prevalence of 35% or higher among non-Hispanic white adults.
  

The CDC cautioned that obesity worsens outcomes from COVID-19, increasing the risk for severe illness, hospitalization and death, and disproportionately affects some racial and ethnic minority groups, who are also at increased risk for COVID-19.

“These disparities underscore the need to remove barriers to healthy living and ensure that communities support a healthy, active lifestyle for all,” the CDC said.
The agency said becoming active and eating a healthy diet can support optimal immune function and help prevent or manage chronic diseases that worsen outcomes from COVID-19. These actions, as well as getting enough sleep and finding healthy ways to cope with stress, can help with weight maintenance and improve overall health.