Covid-19 pandemic underscoring rise in obesity in the U.S.

The Covid-19 pandemic is underscoring the steady rise in obesity in the U.S., according to a new report from the nonprofit Trust for America's Health. Obesity rates in the U.S. have continued to stay at record levels: In 2017-2018, 42% of people had obesity, which was a 26% jump from a decade prior. And last year, 12 states had obesity rates of 35% or higher, an increase of three states since 2018. During the Covid-19 pandemic, those with obesity and related conditions have had higher rates of hospitalization and mortality from Covid-19. The pandemic has also created more barriers to healthy living, including gym closures and increased food insecurity due to income loss. Obesity is a systemic problem, the report states, adding that solutions that target racial and economic inequities will be needed.