The outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic has changed people’s lives worldwide. The economic impact of the pandemic has caused unemployment rates to rise, businesses to close, and individuals to work from home.

The pandemic’s challenges have resulted in rising body weight and poor dietary patterns, which affect people of different ages, especially kids and youths.

Impact of Crisis on Body Weight

A series of investigations have reported alterations in diet and physical activity as a result of the pandemic crisis.

The pandemic crisis results in social isolation, job insecurity, and economic hardship leads to psychological stress, which leads to physical inactivity, poor dietary habits, and increases in body weight. Several studies have observed increments in the Body Mass Index (BMI) since the first outbreaks of the pandemic in the early months of 2020.

Additionally, studies have found that sedentary lifestyles, deficient physical activity, and lack of healthy eating habits have contributed to body weight change.

The Rise in Body Weight in Age Groups

The pandemic crisis has primarily affected kids and youths, history included, as a result of the closure of schools and daycare facilities.

Kids nowadays spend extensive periods at home, which have led to an increase in snacking, consuming fast, and processed foods, combined with reduced physical activities compared to when in school. Consequently, childhood obesity has become widespread during the pandemic due to limited physical activity and poor diet.

A study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics revealed an augmented effect on children’s diet during the pandemic as they consume more sugary foods and processed meals at home. Apart from kids, adults have not been immune to the rise in body weight during the crisis too. The recent pandemic crisis has altered daily routines, including exercise and regular diets and meals, resulting in significant weight gain among adults.

According to a study conducted by Northwestern University in Chicago, weight gain during the pandemic, particularly among adults, is widespread, and the average weight gain was approximately one pound every ten days.

Factors contributing to weight gain during the pandemic

The pandemic crisis has exposed the public to many external stressful situations that have caused disruptions in daily life activities and diets.

The effect of the pandemic crisis on the general public varies, and factors leading to weight gain and unhealthy eating habits include :.

Limited Physical Activity: Due to the closure of gyms and limited outdoor movement, many individuals are less physically active than before the pandemic. Less movement is known to slow down the metabolism of the body, which can lead to weight gain
Job Loss and Financial Woes: Many people who have lost jobs and experienced financial difficulties due to the pandemic crisis have resorted to fast and processed foods due to their low cost compared to healthy foods. Unhealthy meals and low physical activity lead to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity
Increased Screen Time: With limited outdoor activities and long hours of working from home, many people have resorted to screen time, whether watching TV or browsing social media. Increased screen time is known to lead to less physical activity and more snacking, leading to weight gain
Psychological Stress: The pandemic crisis has led to psychological stress due to job insecurity, financial difficulties, and fear of the virus’s disease. Psychological stress can lead to poor diet, reduced physical activity, and ultimately, weight gain

How to Combat the problem of weight gain and unhealthy eating habits

With the pandemic set to continue for the foreseeable future, steps ought to be taken to help combat the problem of weight gain and unhealthy eating habits. Some measures that have been suggested by health experts include:.

Eating a balanced diet: Consuming balanced diets, including fruits and vegetables, and reducing snacking, is an excellent way to combat the problem of weight gain and unhealthy eating habits. Balanced diets help reduce the accumulation of body fats
Engage in physical activities: Engaging in physical activities like running, walking, or cycling, even if outdoors, is an excellent way to maintain weight and reduce the risk of obesity. Physical activities help keep the metabolic rate of the body
Stress Management: Managing psychological stress through stress-relieving activities such as yoga and meditation can help reduce the risk of unhealthy dietary habits and weight gain
Limiting Screen Time: Limiting the hours spent watching TV or browsing social media can help reduce snacking and promote healthy eating habits and regular exercise

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pandemic crisis has led to weight gain and unhealthy eating habits, which have affected individuals of all age groups.

The pandemic crisis’s factors leading to weight gain include lack of physical activity, job loss, increased screen time, and psychological stress, among others. Preventing weight gain and reducing unhealthy dietary habits requires implementing healthy lifestyle changes, including consuming a balanced diet, engaging in physical activities, managing stress, and limiting screen time.

With the pandemic continuing on, maintaining healthy living habits, reducing the risk of obesity and weight gain, and improving overall health remains essential in the fight against COVID-19.