PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — One of the biggest risk factors for COVID-19 in the U.S. and around the world is obesity.
Over the years, most of the complications of obesity result in long-term health effects. COVID-19, meanwhile, can cause death for some in just a matter of days.
This risk also highlights a growing issue with obesity in the world. According to the World Health Organization’s database, 34.5% of adults across the globe are overweight and 11% are obese. The prevalence is higher in women than men.
An alarming prevalence of obesity has also been observed in children and adolescents in several countries worldwide. The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically in the last several decades in both adults and children.
Whether COVID-19 is present or not in the future, obesity needs to be addressed.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.