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Jan 26, 20212 min read

Obesity Worsens Outcomes from COVID-19

Image Source: Canva

Nearly 40% of people who make a New Year’s resolution say they plan to lose weight.1 However, the pandemic is making it more difficult for Americans to keep weight off. Obesity rates are on the rise in the United States. This is concerning as people with obesity have died of COVID-19 at excessive rates.1

Obesity

A body mass index (BMI) between 30 kg/m2 and <40 kg/m2 or severe obesity (BMI of 40 kg/m2 or above), increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.6 Obesity is now considered a chronic condition and puts people at risk for other chronic conditions.5 According to the CDC, medical costs for obese people are $1,429 higher than those that are not obese.3

Vaccinations and Obesity

Vaccines that protect against seasonal flu, hepatitis B and rabis are less effective in obese populations compared to leaner ones.1 Researchers have found that having obesity increases one’s likelihood of hospitalization for COVID-19 by 113%.2

Facts About Obesity and COVID-19:

  1. Having obesity may triple the risk of hospitalizations due to a COVID-19 infection.7

  2. Obesity is linked to impaired immune function.7

  3. The risk of death from COVID-19 increases as BMI increases.7

  4. Obesity decreases lung capacity which can make ventilation more difficult.7

Actions to Take to Combat Obesity

  1. There are prescription medications for obesity. Make sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of your medications and are taking them as prescribed.4

  2. Eating a healthy diet can help support immune function. A healthy diet prevents and aids in managing other chronic conditions like diabetes, which also increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.7

  3. Physical activity also supports immune function and helps with weight loss. Being active can help decrease a person’s chance of having severe illness from COVID-19.7

  4. Getting enough sleep is crucial as insufficient sleep has been linked to other chronic conditions and obesity.7

  5. Coping with stress over time can lower BMI.7

Tria Health Can Help

Tria Health offers a weight management service called Choose To Lose. If this structured weight loss program is included through your benefits plan, you can receive help from a combination of registered dietitians, health coaches and pharmacists, along the best-in-class nutrition tracker app ‘LoseIt!’ and a Bluetooth scale. This program is great at helping tackle the risks associated with obesity.

Tria Health is a no cost benefit available through select members’ health plans. Tria Health’s Pharmacy Advocate Program offers one-on-one, private consultations with a Tria Health Pharmacist. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. Tria Health will assist you in identifying any possible drug interactions or savings opportunities! Your pharmacist will work with you and your doctor(s) to ensure the intended outcomes from your medications are being received.

Questions?

Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742

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