About 40% of U.S. adults are obese, and now numerous studies show a link between obesity and severe COVID-19. While older adults have proven to have a higher risk, obesity increases the risk for severe and fatal cases, even in young adults. Obese COVID-19 patients are seven times more likely to need a ventilator. They’re four times more likely to need critical care. And while obese people need to use caution to avoid catching the coronavirus, those efforts can’t involve giving up exercise that could help them reduce their weight.