CDC study finds about 78% of people hospitalized for Covid were overweight or obese

[mousefan73]

No she is not if BMI is actually measured and not just calculated. The simple calculation is in some cases inaccurate. But is most correct. If your results is ove 40% sorry you arent carrying tons of muscle around unless you are a body builder. There are many who avoid reality and tell themselves they have muscle.

My daughter plays sports/lifts weights.

She is wears a size 4 pants. 5'3. 143lbs of muscle. No flab.

She is considered "overweight".

A size 4 teenager is overweight.

 

[mousefan73]

Obese person here... It does weight in the back of my mind..I considier myself "healthy" but to be honest who knows. I know its my responsiblity to get myself perhaps checked out more often. In many cases many of us feel ok, are active but overweight.. I reality we are often walking time bombs.. Case in our family. Our niece's SIL is incubated with Covid right now. 54 and morbidlyl obese. Just recently discoverd she has type 2. But only because her Dr. recommneded a check up. And the funny thing is she was only at the DR as she escorted her DH who is handicaped there last year ( he's also in ICU right now, whole family got it). Her outlook is not good.

I have noticed this correlation the whole time. Whenever you see an artile " young mom, dad, teen, teacher" dies of Covid the picture 99% showed a morbidly obese person. hmmm... And the entire time the death rate in Africa is so low... Experts have been saying that lowe or normal body weight, less imflammation for western lifestyles is the key.

Been working on my health... it's hard.... but I am 12 weeks now past ankle surgery and this week have been starting to do my 3 mile walk and hope to build up back to 5 soon.

 

[mousefan73]

This seems like a non-story.

Quoting from Wiki:

The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that, for 2015–2016 in the U.S., 39.8% of adults aged 20 and over were obese (including 7.6% with severe obesity) and that another 31.8% were overweight.​

So in 2015-16, 71.6% of Americans were overweight or obese.

The CDC reports that 78% of those who were hospitalized were overweight or obese. That's pretty close to 71.6%.

Adding fuel to this, the story states:

Just over 42% of the U.S. population was considered obese in 2018, according to the agency’s most recent statistics.​

OK. The statistics from about 4 years ago say this number is 39.8%. So an increase of about 2% in 4 years. Not surprising.

Add 2% for more who are obese and 2% (just a guess) for more who are overweight, and we are at almost 76%.

So we have perhaps 75-76% of Americans who are overweight or obese and 78% of COVID hospitalizations were those who were overweight or obese.

Am I missing something or is the person who is reporting this story incapable of critical thought?

you need to also compare the US death rate by age to other nations with less obesity.. We see this in the EU. comparing the UK deaths rates and ages to rest of EU... in the UK you have many more younger dead. Even Boris Johnson was like I was fat and that was a reason I ended up in ICU

 

[underdesea]

Wow this thread turned out to be awful!

Not that I couldn't see the writing on the wall but wow people!

It's easy to blame everything on obese people. They're all just out of control eating 24/7. They get what they deserve. And as an anonymous poster, "I" can laud myself for being far superior to all those lazy fat people. In other words, yes, people suck. A lot.

 

[goofyernmost]

I'm not sure that is very alarming when about 78% of the population is either overweight or obese. Also it has been a known fact that it is mostly older people that have been hospitalized and young people are mostly lean. It may be proving something but I'm not sure what.

 

[goofyernmost]

It's easy to blame everything on obese people. They're all just out of control eating 24/7. They get what they deserve. And as an anonymous poster, "I" can laud myself for being far superior to all those lazy fat people. In other words, yes, people suck. A lot.

It is easy for younger folks to blame everything on weight. Personally of 8 cousins about my age, I am the heaviest and 5 out of the 8 were skinny and are also dead now. What could be made of that I wonder? The older we get the more likely we are to be overweight because we are not as active and our metabolism is working in slow motion. You cannot jog everyday with arthritis. But time will make that clear to just about all of those that are so easily able to point their skinny little finger at this time.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

[

It's easy to blame everything on obese people. They're all just out of control eating 24/7. They get what they deserve. And as an anonymous poster, "I" can laud myself for being far superior to all those lazy fat people. In other words, yes, people suck. A lot.

Some here seemed to be excusing or blowing off the study, or saying it isn't from being overweight and there is that study that shows that overweight people were having harder times with Covid. That doesn't mean anyone is saying anything bad about the person that is obese. I am more frustrated with what is presented in our grocery stores, loaded with high fructose corn syrup, sugar snacks and cereals for kids, pushed by tv commercials, etc. If the same people that were obese lived in another country where local grown healthy foods were more where people usually got their groceries, etc., I bet they wouldn't be obese. I certainly don't blame laziness either, that isn't nice and I don't think that at all. So sorry if some were offended, I just hope we all listen to any studies that come out at least pay attention. Off topic somewhat but I knew a kid that mother swore their kid was hyperactive, he was on meds for it. When I went to their house one morning he was sitting at breakfast drinking a can of Coca Cola eating some super sugary bowl of cereal. When he would stay over night at our house he didn't eat like that and I never had an issue with him acting hyper. It's just the norm here and I think bad food choices cause a lot of issues or at least exacerbate.

 

[trvlgirlmq]

Wow, could only get through a couple pages. The most judgmental people I have ever come across! Hope we never meet in person. I’m sure you would take one look at my fat body and judge my lifestyle and medical history.

 

[MillauFr]

If the same people that were obese lived in another country where local grown healthy foods were more where people usually got their groceries, etc., I bet they wouldn't be obese.

Exactly correct. Also helps to live in a place where the most efficient way of getting between point A and B isn't by car but walking or bicycling.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

[


Some here seemed to be excusing or blowing off the study, or saying it isn't from being overweight and there is that study that shows that overweight people were having harder times with Covid. That doesn't mean anyone is saying anything bad about the person that is obese. I am more frustrated with what is presented in our grocery stores, loaded with high fructose corn syrup, sugar snacks and cereals for kids, pushed by tv commercials, etc. If the same people that were obese lived in another country where local grown healthy foods were more where people usually got their groceries, etc., I bet they wouldn't be obese. I certainly don't blame laziness either, that isn't nice and I don't think that at all. So sorry if some were offended, I just hope we all listen to any studies that come out at least pay attention. Off topic somewhat but I knew a kid that mother swore their kid was hyperactive, he was on meds for it. When I went to their house one morning he was sitting at breakfast drinking a can of Coca Cola eating some super sugary bowl of cereal. When he would stay over night at our house he didn't eat like that and I never had an issue with him acting hyper. It's just the norm here and I think bad food choices cause a lot of issues or at least exacerbate.

No, nobody said that. We said the report and BMI are both flawed. That isn’t blowing it off, it’s acknowledging it isn’t a complete picture. Some here want it to be the biggest reason.

And you may want to reread some of your posts. You have been completely judgmental about people who are overweight/obese. Including in this post.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

No, nobody said that. We said the report and BMI are both flawed. That isn’t blowing it off, it’s acknowledging it isn’t a complete picture. Some here want it to be the biggest reason.

And you may want to reread some of your posts. You have been completely judgmental about people who are overweight/obese. Including in this post.

You show me where I said something insulting about obese people or judgmental, I'll wait. Put it here. If you are someone that works out lifts weights as my husband did, you would be heavier as muscle weighs more, and if you do do that and you CALCULATE your BMI I would factor that in. A doctor sees my husband, weighs him but sees he is fit and has muscles doc does not say he is obese even though his weight is higher. So if you feel that you are in that category factor that in. But study says as the BMI gets higher, it gets worse, seems smart to believe this study that being obese and the more severely obese you are, the higher the risk with Covid and that should be taken seriously and legit study. That is all I said or meant. And I said that we in this country are pushed unhealthy food. Sorry that you are so offended by that or find that judgmental. But do not twist it into something it isn't as you are the one that is being judgmental accusing me of something I never said. Or feeling that or studies are fat shaming or judging.

 

[Nabas]

Some here seemed to be excusing or blowing off the study, or saying it isn't from being overweight and there is that study that shows that overweight people were having harder times with Covid.

I'm not sure if you have read my posts, so I'll summarize.

Point 1:

Those who are overweight (not obese) appear to have the same hospitalization rate as those who are normal weight.

Despite this, the CDC stated: "People who are overweight may also be at increased risk."

The published data does not support this, so why would the CDC state this?

Point 2:

Those who are obese are at a modestly elevated risk of being hospitalized. This almost certainly is traceable to other health issues caused by their obesity.

However, obesity pales compared to, by far, the most significant factor: age. COVID is a virus that becomes increasingly more dangerous as people age.



Those who are obese get criticized all the time for all sorts of things. But, at least when it comes to COVID, there's no need to pile on.

 

[J'aime Paris]

https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/...esity-face-higher-risk-of-complications-death
https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n411
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/948609
Obesity is a tender subject, and individuals often feel judged, cast off, or even looked at as less than...
Whether someone has extra weight from eating too much, lack of activity, genetics, a medical condition, etc.....extra weight is extra weight. And if you have too many extra pounds, it can/might be detrimental to your overall wellbeing.

Putting the BMI accuracy aside.....there is evidence that obesity does attribute to worse Covid outcomes.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Those who are obese get criticized all the time for all sorts of things. But, at least when it comes to COVID, there's no need to pile on.

You also pointed out that it was due to certain issues but all those issues you pointed out in your other post which I don't feel like searching for, are related to obesity. So live in denial that is up to you. The studies that link obesity with health issues are not "criticizing". I worked for doctors, these links are real that was my point.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/08/health/coronavirus-obesity-weight.html

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

You show me where I said something insulting about obese people or judgmental, I'll wait. Put it here. If you are someone that works out lifts weights as my husband did, you would be heavier as muscle weighs more, and if you do do that and you CALCULATE your BMI I would factor that in. A doctor sees my husband, weighs him but sees he is fit and has muscles doc does not say he is obese even though his weight is higher. So if you feel that you are in that category factor that in. But study says as the BMI gets higher, it gets worse, seems smart to believe this study that being obese and the more severely obese you are, the higher the risk with Covid and that should be taken seriously and legit study. That is all I said or meant. And I said that we in this country are pushed unhealthy food. Sorry that you are so offended by that or find that judgmental. But do not twist it into something it isn't as you are the one that is being judgmental accusing me of something I never said. Or feeling that or studies are fat shaming or judging.

Let's start with your understanding of BMI being wrong. There are two factors and two factors only that go into measuring BMI. Height and weight. That's it. There is no other way to calculate it. THAT IS THE ENTIRE POINT. It doesn't take into consideration any other health, muscle or fitness level. So when this article talks about percentages of people being overweight/obese they are ONLY talking about the height to weight ratio. That's it. That is what makes both things flawed. When people qualified for the vaccine for being overweight/obese it was the BMI as I described that did it. It also didn't take it account any other health, muscle or fitness level information.

Now to the second part;
Post #70: "...I think that all that have a bad BMI should at least look at what they eat and their lifestyle, if they exercise, etc."
And your entire second paragraph

Post #85 making assumptions about people making excuses when you don't actually understand the BMI measurement, despite many of us trying to explain it to you.

Post #86 - saying that unrelated high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea are all related to obesity, totally discounting the person you quoted who was explaining that that it's not always related to obesity.

Post#107 - again saying people are excusing/blowing off the study. Saying that if people ate healthier they wouldn't be obese.

Your tone throughout this is pretty clear. You say you don't blame them, but you do. And those who disagree with you are making excuses, in denial or are offended. You make assumptions about what people eat and what kind of exercise they do, all while saying you do it better and the correct way.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Let's start with your understand of BMI is wrong. There are two factors and two factors only that go into measuring BMI. Height and weight. That's it. There is no other way to calculate it. THAT IS THE ENTIRE POINT. It doesn't take into consideration any other health, muscle or fitness level. So when this article talks about percentages of people being overweight/obese they are ONLY talking about the height to weight ratio. That's it. That is what makes both things flawed. When people qualified for the vaccine for being overweight/obese it was the BMI as I described that did it. It also didn't take it account any other health, muscle or fitness level information.

Now to the second part;
Post #70: "...I think that all that have a bad BMI should at least look at what they eat and their lifestyle, if they exercise, etc."
And your entire second paragraph

Post #85 making assumptions about people making excuses when you don't actually understand the BMI measurement, despite many of us trying to explain it to you.

Post #86 - saying that unrelated high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea are all related to obesity, totally discounting the person you quoted who was explaining that that it's not always related to obesity.

Post#107 - again saying people are excusing/blowing off the study. Saying that if people ate healthier they wouldn't be obese.

Your tone throughout this is pretty clear. You say you don't blame them, but you do. And those who disagree with you are making excuses, in denial or are offended. You make assumptions about what people eat and what kind of exercise they do, all while saying you do it better and the correct way.

In a nutshell, wasn’t the entire point of this thread to blame them?

 

[Nabas]

You also pointed out that it was due to certain issues but all those issues you pointed out in your other post which I don't feel like searching for, are related to obesity. So live in denial that is up to you. The studies that link obesity with health issues are not "criticizing". I worked for doctors, these links are real that was my point.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/08/health/coronavirus-obesity-weight.html

I vigorously exercise 6 days a week and eat a well-balanced diet. I am neither overweight nor obese. I do not "live in denial".

But, it appears, you assumed I was because I reviewed data published by the CDC, rather than simply accept the headline. Too many Americans blindly believe the news they are spoon-fed, rather than perform critical analysis of available data.

Who is living in denial?

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

And for anybody playing along, I’m willing to show myself. This is overweight according to the BMI scale.

It doesn’t take into account how often I work out, what I eat or that my labs are all great.

 

[VandVsmama]

To summarize this all....

So what?

 

[tzolkin]

Let's start with your understanding of BMI being wrong. There are two factors and two factors only that go into measuring BMI. Height and weight. That's it. There is no other way to calculate it. THAT IS THE ENTIRE POINT. It doesn't take into consideration any other health, muscle or fitness level. So when this article talks about percentages of people being overweight/obese they are ONLY talking about the height to weight ratio. That's it.

Yes, I'm not really sure what this poster thinks goes into BMI. They repeatedly mention "calculations", "percentages", and other factors going into an accurate BMI but that's not how BMI works. There are several posts missing from the shutdown, so it's hard to follow the entire conversation, but I asked for clarification on what they meant a while back and I think they were in Germany. Maybe they are talking about body fat percentages? Definitely not what BMI is in the US.

Another example:

If you are someone that works out lifts weights as my husband did, you would be heavier as muscle weighs more, and if you do do that and you CALCULATE your BMI I would factor that in. A doctor sees my husband, weighs him but sees he is fit and has muscles doc does not say he is obese even though his weight is higher.

Two points (in italics) for BMI in the US: 1. there is no calculating with muscle weighing more than fat. BMI is simply weight and height, so if you weigh more (muscle) your BMI would be HIGHER, not lower. 2. doctors don't make a subjective determination and note it in your chart. You are listed as "overweight" or "obese" in your medical record solely based on the BMI number. It's calculated by the computer and goes in automatically regardless of what the doctor thinks.