The research found that by the end of 2020, global coronavirus death tolls were more than 10 times higher in nations where over half the adults are overweight, compared to those where fewer than half are overweight.
Using mortality data from Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the team discovered that of 2.5 million Covid-19 deaths reported by the end of February, 2.2 million were in countries where more than half the population is overweight. Mortality rates also increased along with countries’ prevalence of obesity. The researchers also noted that the link persisted even after adjusting for age and national wealth.
The authors of the World Obesity Forum report have called for people living with obesity to be prioritized for coronavirus testing and vaccination. “Covid-19 is not the first respiratory viral infection exacerbated by overweight. Data from the last two decades on the impact of MERS, H1N1 influenza and other influenza-related infections show worse outcomes linked to excess bodyweight,” the study added. “An overweight population is an unhealthy population, and a pandemic waiting to happen.”
YOU ASKED. WE ANSWERED
Q: How many cases caused by Covid-19 variants are there in the US?
The vast majority of these infections, 2,506, are caused by the more contagious strain known as B.1.1.7, which was originally detected in the UK. In addition, 65 cases have been reported of a variant initially seen in South Africa, called B.1.351. Lastly, 10 cases of the P.1 variant first found in Brazil have been discovered in five states.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT TODAY
‘Neanderthal thinking.’ Biden slams Texas and Mississippi for lifting restrictions
US President Joe Biden sharply criticized states such as Texas and Mississippi for lifting Covid-19 restrictions and mask mandates against pleas from the CDC and other top public health officials, accusing those in power of “Neanderthal thinking.
Russian vaccine expands its reach in Latin America while Cuba goes its own way
Spanish princesses’ vaccinations abroad spark controversy at home
In response to media reports about the vaccination, Princess Elena said in a statement they took the shot with the aim of a getting a health passport so that they could visit their father regularly. A royal household spokesman noted that while they are sisters of Spain’s King Felipe, the princesses have not had any official duties as members of the royal family since at least 2014.
ON OUR RADAR
- As Covid-19 cases continue to slide, California may soon allow fans to attend Major League Baseball games.
- While vaccines will be available for all US adults by the end of May, teenagers will still have to wait until the fall, Dr. Anthony Fauci says.
- The B.1.1.7 coronavirus variant first seen in the UK is more contagious than older circulating versions of the virus and it’s likely to drive a large new surge of infections, research suggests.
- A global fake Covid-19 vaccine distribution network has been dismantled in South Africa and China.
- The US is still holding firm to the strategy of administering two doses of the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines a few weeks apart.
TOP TIP
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Oates and his wife Aimee are reviving the Oates Song Fest 7908 to fundraise for Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization.
The economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic is driving up food insecurity across the US. Feeding America estimates that one in six Americans could face food insecurity as a result of the pandemic.
TODAY’S PODCAST
“The reality is that when you’re out of sight, you’re really out of mind. And a lot of remote workers feel like they miss out on a lot of these opportunities because they’re not getting access to the projects and opportunities that would help get them promoted.” — Andrew Hewitt, senior analyst at Forrester