A national survey conducted in the last two months among almost 2 000 South African adults paints a dire picture:
- 45% of respondents said lockdown regulations impacted their eating and exercise habits for the worse.
- 44% picked up between 2-5 kg; 15% are 6-10 kg heavier and 4% gained an extra 10 kilograms or more.
- 58% of family members (spouse/children) also packed on a few pounds.
- Increased weight gain in 15% of pets were also reported, which has equally real health consequences.
- 34% said their diet consists mainly of takeout and ready-made meals, while a further 30% said they eat what they can afford since their income has been impacted.
- 42% are exercising less than before the pandemic.
- 59% are currently on medication for a comorbidity such as heart disease, diabetes or hypertension.
The survey was commissioned by Pharma Dynamics, the largest provider of cardiovascular medicine in the country, to assess the effect of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown on the nation’s eating and exercise patterns.
“We are concerned about the long-term, negative effects that lockdown regulations have on South Africa’s obesity epidemic,” said Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics.
She stated that calorie intake has sky rocketed whilst exercise has plummeted. This is an unhealthy combination.
She went on to say that processed food was favoured above natural fresh produce.
“In times of stress and uncertainty, people find solace in comfort food, which tends to be low in nutritional value and high in carbohydrates, fats, salt and sugar,” she said.
Forty-three percent of respondents who participated in the survey attributed their change in eating habits to stress and anxiety over what the future holds, while 42% said being confined to their homes also led to more snacking and impulsive eating, and 28% simply ate out of boredom.
