As the pandemic persists and the COVID-19 delta variant continually spreads, something else is on the rise. Obesity rates are increasing within the U.S., causing concern as doctors continue to combat the coronavirus.

In 2018 there were nine states within the U.S. that reported obesity rates of 35 percent or higher. Over these last years, however, that total number of states has nearly doubled. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sixteen states are now reporting obesity rates of 35 percent or higher.

In the past year, Delaware, Iowa, Ohio and Texas have now joined the towering list of states reporting high obesity rates. Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia are also on the list.

The CDC’s Dr. Seung Hee Lee says that the rising obesity rate could spell trouble, as those overweight are at greater risk of severe illness when infected with COVID-19.

“Adults with obesity are at a greater risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, and obesity tends to increase the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and even death.” Lee said, speaking to 95.5 WSB’s Sabrina Cupit.

As Georgia broke the state record for number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 earlier this month, the Peach State ranks 36th in the nation for obesity with a rate of 34.3 percent.

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