Pandemic weight gain – more than 50% of South Africans affected

One of the unintended and perhaps unanticipated consequences of the Covid-19 lockdown has been weight gain.

This was revealed in a recent national survey conducted among almost 2 000 South African adults.

About 45% of respondents said lockdown regulations impacted their eating and exercise habits for the worse, while 44% picked up between 2 and 5 kg.

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Fifteen per cent are 6-10 kg heavier and 4% gained an extra 10kg or more.

The survey was commissioned by Pharma Dynamics, the largest provider of cardiovascular medicine in the country, to assess the effect of the pandemic and associated lockdown on the nation’s eating and exercise patterns.

‘Treats and calories are up, while exercise is down, which is never a healthy combination.

Limited access to daily grocery shopping may have led to reduced consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables in favour of highly processed food.

‘In times of stress and uncertainty, people also find solace in comfort food, which tends to be low in nutritional value and high in carbohydrates, fats, salt and sugar,’ said Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics.

Forty-three per cent 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.

Twenty-eight per cent simply ate out of boredom.

‘While a sugar tax has been introduced, there is a need for additional legislative changes that focus on societal factors and the food industry. Health policymakers need to take bolder and more definitive steps to curb obesity,’ she said.

The survey further revealed:

* 58% of family members (spouse/children) also packed on a few pounds

* Increased weight gain in 15% of pets was 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 co-morbidity such as heart disease, diabetes or hypertension

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