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 pipe 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.

For instance, I’m 5 foot 4; according to  BMI calculator, if I weighed 175 pounds, my BMI would be 30 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 obesity, should choose to  be extra vigilant  to stay safe.