According to a new report staying home for a year is bad for your waistline. The average American has gained so much weight during quarantine, that the phenomenon is being coined the COVID 30.
American Psychological Association (AMA) took a survey of U.S. adults in late February and found that 61% of adults of 29 pounds since the beginning of the pandemic. 42% of people surveyed said they gained much more weight than they had intended to, with 10% reporting packing on over fifty pounds.
The AMA believes the inability to deal long term with stress is the culprit. “We’ve been concerned throughout this pandemic about the level of prolonged stress, exacerbated by the grief, trauma, and isolation that Americans are experiencing. This survey reveals a secondary crisis that is likely to have persistent, serious mental and physical health consequences for years to come,” commented APA CEO, Arthur Evans Jr, Ph.D. “Health and policy leaders must come together quickly to provide additional behavioral health supports as part of any national recovery plan.”
The study also shows that in addition to overeating, Americans are drinking more and sleeping less. 23% of adults are drinking to cope, though a December 2020 study puts that number much higher at 60%, and 67% are having issues sleeping. It’s worse for parents and essential workers.
47% of mothers with children in remote learning have worsening mental health, while over half of fathers have been eating their feelings and 48% are drinking more to cope. 54% of essential workers have been surviving by embracing unhealthy habits and 25% have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder within the past year.
“Weight gain is common in stressful situations. Once we notice that we have gained weight, we can take steps towards leading a more healthy lifestyle,” says Brittany LeMond, PHD, a New York neuropsychologist. Remember, stress can trigger overeating, so it’s important to not stress about the weight gain, but rather put energy and efforts towards developing a healthy and reasonable plan.”
wpDiscuz
Hmmmm, The media, social media, liberal cable providers, and governmentsseem to be promoting an environment fear, uncertainty, and control. Everyone needs to just calm down and we will all get thru it!. Turn off your tv, stay off the internet and you will feel alot better.
What would this look like breaking this down state – by – State or even areas such as urban /small town, etc.? Personally, I’ve lost weight during this, as I’ve stayed busy, doing physical work & walks, etc. I’ve also not eaten out as much, cutting that down to 1x a week. I’m mid-sized city suburb, by the way…
LISTEN UP…OPEN ALL BUSINESSES and SCHOOLS. DON’T LET the DEMOCRATS RUN YOUR LIVES. From SamuraiQueen. 😄😄😄
I can’t sympathize with those who submitted to surrendering their freedoms and following unlawful demands of government orders to lock themselves up thus gaining weight in the process. I never did and refused to do so, in fact, With the mask order removed here in Texas, I still voice my opinion to anyone who challenges me for not wearing a mask in businesses or public buildings.
When people were not allowed to go out as they normally did, couldn’t go to the gym if that was the way they typically exercised, couldn’t use pools, and had to wear masks, people just didn’t get the physical activity they had – which was already low in many cases. Parks were closed during a good part of the pandemic, so even those activities weren’t available. So what do people do, stay home, watch TV, get lazy and eat! The lock downs and mask mandates need to stop, but Biden is trying to push them again. If vaccines work so well, then it shouldn’t be a problem opening up and stop wearing masks. Those that choose not to vaccinate are taking their own risks, but should NEVER be forced into a vaccine!
I’ve noticed that I have put on roughly 5 pounds (some days close to 9). Lack of exercise; wife doesn’t want me walking where other people are likely to be, especially people not wearing face masks.
Can’t say as stress has contributed.