Diet, COVID, and sustainability

Kinda related, kinda not. First, this Politico piece talks about the role that obesity is playing in increasing the injury and death toll associated with COVID. The below map shows obesity rates by state, and the article discusses how the Federal Government spends more money on treating diabetes than the entire USDA budget. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who had a come-to-Jesus moment after his obesity was linked to the intensity of his own bout of COVID, has begun to see the role that government policy plays in determining diet.

Also investigating the ramifications for diet is this article, which investigates the affordability of a variety of alternative diets, all of which are supposedly healthier and more sustainable than current diets. While costs are higher in developing countries, a lot of money can be saved in the US and in other rich countries while health and sustainability are likewise encouraged.

Too bad this is not a priority!