COVID-19 and related social distancing measures induce significant metabolic complications without prominent weight gain in Korean adults

Abstract

BackgroundThis study using multi-center health examination data from Korean adults was conducted to confirm changes in weight, and their related cardiometabolic parameters, before and after strengthening of social distancing regulations.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using health check-up data from 13 university hospitals. The study period was from January 2018 to July 2020. To examine the effect of systematic social distancing measures, participants who underwent a health check-up (Visit 3) between July 2020 and July 2021 (during full scale social distancing), and had undergone two previous health check-ups (Visits 1 and 2) between January 2018 and June 2020 (before social distancing), were selected. In total, data from 7,875 participants were analyzed. Linear mixed-effect models were used to calculate estimates of anthropometric indices and metabolic markers measured on Visits 2 and 3, compared with measurements from Visit 1.ResultsThere were no significant differences in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and body composition on Visit 3 than on Visits 1 and 2. However, the odds of metabolic syndrome and its components, including hypertension, high glucose, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyper-non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, and dyslipidemia were significantly higher on Visit 3 than on Visits 1 and 2. The increase in metabolic complications was marked, particularly in relatively young adults who visited health check-up centers located in the capital area.ConclusionMetabolic syndrome and its components were significantly worse after high level social distancing, although there were no significant increases in anthropometric indices and body fat levels. Healthcare providers need to prevent and manage worsening of metabolic parameters in subpopulations prone to be more sedentary and eat unhealthy food during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing measures.

Body mass index and prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Korean adults before and after the COVID-19 outbreak: a retrospective longitudinal study

“…We used a retrospective longitudinal design with a broad follow-up period and paired data. Notably, our results are consistent with those of 2 previous longitudinal studies [ 17 , 18 ].…”

“…Thus, we maximized the inclusion period from the implementation of high-level social distancing to its abolishment. Furthermore, we obtained consistent results for both subgroups in the present study and confirmed the results of previous retrospective cohort studies with greater reliability [ 17 , 18 ].…”

“…paired data. Notably, our results are consistent with those of 2 previous longitudinal studies [17,18].…”

“…Furthermore, we obtained consistent results for both subgroups in the present study and confirmed the results of previous retrospective cohort studies with greater reliability [17,18] Metabolic syndrome, its components, and fat distribution worsened significantly after COVID-19-related social distancing, despite no significant changes in BMI. The acute increase in metabolic syndrome prevalence between 2019 and 2020 highlights the impact of social distancing.…”

“…Numerous studies have established the impact of COVID-19-related social distancing on weight gain and deterioration of metabolic markers [14][15][16]. Although several studies have revealed significant weight gain, some have yielded contradictory results [17,18]. Furthermore, most recent studies on the impact of COVID-19-related social distancing and lockdowns were based on self-reported questionnaires, which may lack reliability and accuracy [15,16].…”