Self-quarantine and weight gain related risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to quantify the impact that self-quarantine has on behaviors associated with weight gain. Methods: This was a quantitative descriptive/correlational research design. Research announcement was sent out via Facebook to 1200 possible participants. Six surveys were condensed into a single Survey Monkey questionnaire for participants to complete. Surveys asked questions relating to risk factors linked to weight gain. Results: Ninety-one percent of our sample stated they spend more time at home now than before COVID-19. Twenty-two percent of the sample stated they gained 5-10 pounds. Within those who gained 5-10 pounds, there was a significantly higher percentage of the total sample who reported they increased eating in response to sight and smell (p = .048), eating in response to stress (p = .041), and snacking after dinner (p = .016) compared to those who stated they did not change those behaviors at all. There were significant relationships between predictor variables hours of sleep per night and physical activity time on reported weight gain (r = −.195, p = .021, r = −.155, p = .034, respectively). Conclusion: Risk factors for weight gain during self-quarantine are inadequate sleep, snacking after dinner, lack of dietary restraint, eating in response to stress, and reduced physical activity.

Risk Factors Related to Weight Gain for Chines During Home Confinement in COVID-19 Pandemic: An Observational Retrospective Study

“…Excessive energy intake may result in increased fat storage capacity and weight gain, even obesity, insulin resistance and lipotoxicity in severe cases (14). The problematic eating behaviors such as frequent overeating, snacking after dinner, eating in response to stress are the risk factors for weight gain during the self-isolation in USA and Poland (15,16). Even though the weight gain was slight relatively, this small change in weight for adults may contribute to substantial increases over decades (5).…”

The Influence of Family Function on State and Trait Anxiety of Chinese College Students During the Epidemic of COVID-19

“…The rst outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, which has experience in ghting against SARS, thus Chinese government has taken many effective measures in the early stage, such as "lockdown " the city, the order to "stay at home" [6] . But as social creatures, staying at home for a long time may cause many health problems [7] . Studies have shown [8] that if people stay at home for a long time, they may cause some psychosomatic diseases.…”

Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome in the Time of COVID-19: Should We Add a Cup of Coffee?

“…Another study performed in the USA showed that 48% of obese patients exercised less, 50% increased food stockpiling and about 60% increased stress-related eating, while 73% of them reported increased anxiety and 84% augmented depression since the confinement was initiated ( 33 ). A recent USA survey indicated that about 90% of responders spent more time at home and 22% gained 5–10 pounds, mostly due to absence of dietary restraint, stress-stimulated eating, and reduced physical activity imposed by COVID-19 confinement ( 34 ). Furthermore, an Italian survey performed in April 2020 indicated that weight gain was observed in almost 50% of the population, despite some positive self-implemented life style modifications ( 35 ).…”