Not only did COVID lockdowns alter people’s work, education, and lifestyle, but it also messed with their eating routines. During the lockdowns, many of the population experienced weight gain and an increase in BMI. Yet, many elderly’s weight shifted down as they showed signs of malnutrition. Meta analysis found the pediatric population increased their consumption of potato chips, sugary drinks, and junk food. At the same time, their physical activity declined (Chang, 2021).
Joob and Wiwanitkit (2020) said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, 90% of the US population became isolated to their homes. A deviation in regular routines can increase weight gain relatively quickly. During the pandemic, people tended to buy more nutritionally empty food that brought comfort, such as ice cream, alcohol, chocolate, and take-out. With gyms and trails closed, people became more sedentary as they ate higher calories. Also, as grocery stores faced food shortages, Americans lost access to healthier food options (Bhutani and Cooper, 2020).
As we move forward out of the detrimental effects of lockdowns, we can assess our health routine and make the necessary changes to embrace a healthier lifestyle. We can bring in more nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables. We can make more of our meals at home as we abandon take-out and restaurant eating. We can exercise more, rather it be with an exercise App or at a gym. We might not have much control over pandemics and lockdowns, but we can take a good look at our health goals and make them our priority.
REFERENCES:
Bhutani, S., & Cooper, J. A. (2020). COVID‐19–related home confinement in adults: weight gain risks and opportunities. Obesity. Silver Spring, Md. 28(9), 1576–1577. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22904
Chang, T-H., Chen, Y.-C., Chen, W.-Y., Chen, C.-Y., Hsu, W.-Y., Chou, Y., & Chang, Y.-H. (2021). Weight gain associated with COVID-19 lockdown in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients, 13(10), 3668–. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103668
Joob, B., & Wiwanitkit, V. (2020). COVID‐19, school closings, and weight gain. Obesity. Silver Spring, Md., 28(6), 1006–1006. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22825
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Did Covid Lockdowns Increase Our Waistline
by Stephanie Daich
