Impact of COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home orders on weight‐related behaviours among patients with obesity

Abstract

Summary How the impact of the COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home orders is influencing physical, mental and financial health among vulnerable populations, including those with obesity is unknown. The aim of the current study was to explore the health implications of COVID‐19 among a sample of adults with obesity. A retrospective medical chart review identified patients with obesity from an obesity medicine clinic and a bariatric surgery (MBS) practice. Patients completed an online survey from April 15, 2020 to May 31, 2020 to assess COVID‐19 status and health behaviours during stay‐at‐home orders. Logistic regression models examined the impact of these orders on anxiety and depression by ethnic group. A total of 123 patients (87% female, mean age 51.2 years [SD 13.0]), mean BMI 40.2 [SD 6.7], 49.2% non‐Hispanic white (NHW), 28.7% non‐Hispanic black, 16.4% Hispanic, 7% other ethnicity and 33.1% completed MBS were included. Two patients tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and 14.6% reported symptoms. Then, 72.8% reported increased anxiety and 83.6% increased depression since stay‐at‐home orders were initiated. Also 69.6% reported more difficultly in achieving weight loss goals, less exercise time (47.9%) and intensity (55.8%), increased stockpiling of food (49.6%) and stress eating (61.2%). Hispanics were less likely to report anxiety vs NHWs (adjusted odds ratios 0.16; 95% CI, 0.05‐0.49; P = .009). Results here showed the COVID‐19 pandemic is having a significant impact on patients with obesity regardless of infection status. These results can inform clinicians and healthcare professionals about effective strategies to minimize COVID‐19 negative outcomes for this vulnerable population now and in post‐COVID‐19 recovery efforts.

Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on a bariatric surgery waiting list cohort and its influence in surgical risk perception

“…Moreover, the validated HRQoL questionnaire EQ-5D also showed a selective increase in the anxiety/depression item. These results are in accordance with the other two published studies about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on bariatric patients [26,27]. Two weeks after the stay-at-home order was issued in Texas (USA), Almandoz et al [26] asked a local cohort of operated and non-operated obese patients about lifestyle and sociolabor topics, reporting that around three quarters of them had anxiety or depression issues.…”

“…These results are in accordance with the other two published studies about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on bariatric patients [26,27]. Two weeks after the stay-at-home order was issued in Texas (USA), Almandoz et al [26] asked a local cohort of operated and non-operated obese patients about lifestyle and sociolabor topics, reporting that around three quarters of them had anxiety or depression issues. Likewise, Walędziak et al [27] conducted a similar inquiry on a Polish population, finding the same results.…”

When Pandemics Collide: The Impact of COVID-19 on Childhood Obesity

“…At the same time, many communities have seen significant increases in food costs (Fore, 2020). Data suggest that families are stocking shelf-stable foods that are ultra-processed, calorie dense comfort foods (Almandoz et al, 2020;Rundle et al, 2020). Higher caloric foods can negatively impact all children, placing them at risk for weight gain.…”

“…Ensuring the health of children, especially those with the chronic condition of childhood obesity, requires ongoing monitoring by healthcare specialists (Almandoz et al, 2020;Kumar & Kelly, 2017;Spear et al, 2007). However, as parental income was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic (Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 2020), health insurance for families also disappeared.…”

USPSTF Recommendations for Behavioral Counseling in Adults With Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

“…Thirdly, stay-athome orders may impact lifestyle behaviors in a manner that increases CVD risks (eg, increased sedentary behavior and stress-eating). 12 If COVID-19 becomes endemic, new solutions will be required to mitigate barriers to lifestyle counseling.…”