The pandemic didn’t fare well for persons with obesity. A recent study shows pandemic measures such as isolation led to stress and depression — triggers that cause people to eat more highly processed, sugary and junk foods and to cut back on physical activity. Researchers noted that people with obesity feel increased stress due to high mortality rates, which is compounded by a pandemic that makes it harder for them to seek and receive treatment for their obesity.

The study shows the pandemic limited daily grocery shopping, including the consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and other healthy foods. As a result, people reported eating more highly processed foods, snacks and ready-to-eat cereals.

Quarantine and social distancing measures put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have also been found to lead to many eating disorders as well as depression. Study authors noted that people with obesity tend to use food as a coping mechanism for depression or to suppress the emotional hunger that depression causes in the body.

SOURCE: Dovepress May 3, 2021