SSM Health: Getting Rid Of Pandemic Weight Gain

From the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton:

June 24, 2021

By SSM Health

There’s no doubt that shelter-in-place orders in 2020 changed many people’s healthy lifestyle habits. Now as we see glimmers of normalcy, we’re also learning how much the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected body weight.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network (JAMA Network) found Americans gained about 1.5 pounds every month under stay-at-home orders, regardless of their location or comorbidities. While 1.5 pounds doesn’t sound like much, it can certainly add up over time and if the bad habits are persisting.

“Even though masking and stay-at-home orders are now lifted and the vaccines are available, we’re seeing people who are still struggling with their weight,” says SSM Health Registered Dietitian Toni Sterry. “Pre-pandemic workout routines haven’t returned for some people. Many others are working from home where snacking can be problematic.”

Researchers noted that while many participants had generally been losing weight before restrictions were put in place, their weight increased at a steady rate afterwards. As could be expected, the weight gain was due to changes in physical activity and increases in snacking and overeating.

“Lifestyles have changed dramatically as many parents are continuing to work from home and kids have been learning at home,” explained Sterry. “From a lifestyle standpoint, parents are juggling work and more meals than they did in the pre-pandemic days. To save time, it’s easy to turn to convenience foods for all three meals of the day, which tend to lack nutrition. People have also been eating for non-hunger reasons. It’s no secret that stress, loneliness and other effects of the pandemic are causing people to eat more.”

So why is it important to address the weight gain now? “Added weight puts more stress on the body,” Sterry said. “We experience more inflammation and our bodies are working harder than necessary when we have things like higher cholesterol and blood pressure. However, there are a number of small steps we can take to turn the weight gain into weight loss.”

Meal planning can go a long way in getting you back to a healthy weight. Without a plan, we tend to develop chaotic eating patterns. Sterry recommends spending 30 minutes each weekend to look at the week ahead and plan meals for the week.

“Also, look at your fridge and pantry,” suggested Sterry. “Are they stocked with things that will set you up for success? If not, avoid purchasing items that are causing you to overeat.”

Next, Sterry suggests assessing your level of physical activity. “Most of us are not moving as much as we used to. Get moving and burn calories with nature walks or bike rides. If you pick one thing to work on and make goals attainable, you don’t need to sign up for a hardcore fitness program. Simply going for a walk each day could be considered a win.”

If you’re struggling with maintaining a healthy weight, SSM Health has a variety of resources available. They include weight loss programs, wellness tips, surgical options and more. Get started today by requesting a patient application packet.

This press release was produced by the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton. The views expressed are the author's own.