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. 2020 May-Jun;14(3):210-216.
doi: 10.1016/j.orcp.2020.05.004. Epub 2020 May 21.

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

Zeigler Zachary  1 , Forbes Brianna  2 , Lopez Brianna  2 , Pedersen Garrett  2 , Welty Jade  2 , Deyo Alyssa  2 , Kerekes Mikayla  2
Affiliations

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

Zeigler Zachary et al. Obes Res Clin Pract. 2020 May-Jun.

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.

Keywords: COVID-19; Pandemic; Quarantine; Weight gain.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Reported weight change during self-quarantine. Error bars represent 95% CI.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Frequency differences with weight change groups on "eating in response to sight and smell". *Represents statistically different than the group who reported to "not increase at all". Error bars represent 95% CI.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Frequency differences for weight change groups on "eating in response to stress". *Represents statistically different than the group who reported to "not increase at all". Error bars represent 95% CI.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Frequency differences for weight change groups on "snacking after dinner". *Represents statistically different than the group who reported to "not increase at all". Error bars represent 95% CI.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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