What qualifies as obese or overweight?

More Louisianans are going to be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine, including those considered obese or overweight. The new qualifications are part of a long list of health issues that experts say make people more susceptible to the virus. Determining if you are either obese or overweight has to do with body mass index or BMI.

“It’s basically a ratio of height and weight,” said Dr. Benjamin Springgate, LSU Health Chief of Community and Population Medicine.

Obesity is defined as having a BMI over 30. Overweight is having a BMI between 25 and 29.9. For example, if you are 5 feet, 9 inches tall and you weigh 200 pounds; your BMI would be 29.53. That means you’d qualify for the vaccine.

[tuffguydoe]

never thought choosing to be fat could get a step up at getting the vaccine than making the effort of eating healthy and being active.

[kdcbattlecreek]

Had that problem in the military. If people work out and build lots of muscle, or have a heavy build they would be flagged for weight limit and monitored.

[debbietaylor]

This is so outdated about calories and fat 🤣

[JoAnnMonsalve-bbye]

They are so rich that they can afford to buy a lots of FOOD

[garypadiham]

Isn't medical science wonderful; if you're athletic with little fat but a big natural build or you have developed muscles you"'re described as obese and put in the same category as someone who weighs 500lbs.

[IYUIUYIUY]

I lost 60 pounds without dieting thanks to the book "The Obesity Answer" by Christophe Lefebvre.