How much you weigh makes a difference in the likelihood of getting Covid-19. It turns out that obesity is a risk factor for the illness,  along with advanced age, heart disease, diabetes and a host of other health problems.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports that 42.4 percent of Americans qualify as “obese,” which is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. A normal BMI is under 25.  (To easily figure out your BMI, go to  https://www.bmi-calculator.net    

Many people – myself included – find that maintaining a BMI of under 25 is a far off dream.

Should you consider yourself at extra risk for Covid-19 because you cart around extra pounds?
It depends on how much “extra” of you there is to cart around.

According to the national Centers for Disease Control, it is severe obesity that is a risk factor for Covid-19. Severe (or morbid) obesity is defined as a BMI of 40 or higher. For instance, I’m 5 foot 4; according to  BMI calculator, if I weighed 235 pounds or more, my BMI would be 40 and I would be at higher risk for Covid-19.

Every single one of us – thin, medium or fat – is at risk for Covid-19. Those who have special risk factors, such as severe obesity, should choose to  be extra vigilant  to stay safe.