“Stay-at-Home” Lifestyle Effect on Weight Gain during the COVID-19 Outbreak Confinement in China

Abstract

In February 2020, a novel coronavirus (SARS-COV2) broke out in Wuhan city of China. The Chinese government decisively imposed nationwide confinement. This study comprised a structured, online questionnaire, based on 40 items inquiring about socio-demographic information and anthropometric data (reporting weight and height), as well as changes in food intake, physical activity, and sleep during the COVID-19 outbreak. Questionnaires were distributed to residents of Jiangsu and other provinces from 29 March to 5 April. A total of 889 respondents were included, aged between 16 and 70 years (61% females). There was a significant increase in total food intake by 9.8% and a slight increase by 29.2% of respondents, and a significant decrease in physical activity by 31.5% and a slight decrease by 23.4% of respondents, especially in snacks and drinks, and outdoor activities. The rate of weight gain in the total population was 30.6% and the average weight gain was 0.5 ± 2.8 kg. The main factors contributing to weight gain were increased food intake and reduced physical activity. Additionally, normal-weight people were more likely to gain weight than people with overweight/obesity during the COVID-19 confinement. This study provided a good warning and educational reference value on lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 confinement.

COVID-19 Self-quarantine and Weight Gain Risk Factors in Adults

“…The exact amount of caloric increase due to snacking is not provided in the literature. However, a commonly reported theme during COVID-19 self-quarantine is increased snacking frequency [12,15,17,33,36]. For example, crosssectional data from 1097 Poles revealed that 52% of participants admitted to snacking more frequently between meals when compared to before the pandemic [37].…”

“…It seems, however, that controlling total food intake during the COVID-19 pandemic has been problematic. Many studies show that those who gained weight during quarantine reported greater overall food intake [ 12 , 21 , 25 , 28 ]. Additionally, the diet quality of those who gained weight has changed negatively [ 21 , 25 , 32 ].…”

“…The literature has revealed both weight gain and weight loss during COVID-19 self-quarantine [8,9]. After 2 months of COVID-19 lockdowns, for those reporting weight gain, self-reported body weight increased anywhere between .5 and 1.8 kg [7,[10][11][12]. Of greater significance, the weight-gain standard deviations are upwards of 2.8 kg [12].…”

“…After 2 months of COVID-19 lockdowns, for those reporting weight gain, self-reported body weight increased anywhere between .5 and 1.8 kg [7,[10][11][12]. Of greater significance, the weight-gain standard deviations are upwards of 2.8 kg [12]. Such large standard deviations suggest that some have gained roughly 11 kg during a relatively short time of self-quarantine imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

Effect of Soybean and Soybean Koji on Obesity and Dyslipidemia in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet: A Comparative Study

“…More recently, it has been reported that people are more likely to become obese due to restrictions on physical activity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic [ 14 ]. Zhu et al reported that during the COVID-19 outbreak people spent most of their time at home, resulting in decreased physical activity and increased food intake, which was closely related to weight gain [ 15 ]. Obesity is a modifiable factor by regulating food consumption as well as physical activity; therefore, dietary intervention holds more weight for preventing/overcoming obesity when people reduce their physical activity, such as during the COVID-19 lockdown.…”