By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    physical health
    5 Ways Playing Games Can Improve Neural and Physical Health
    September 9, 2022
    Reasons For Hair Loss and Its Treatment
    Reasons For Hair Loss and Its Treatment
    February 16, 2022
    healthcare organization
    5 Actionable Strategies For Healthcare Organizations
    August 15, 2022
    Latest News
    7 Most Common Healthcare Accreditation Programs: Which Should You Use?
    August 20, 2025
    Hospital Pest Control and the Fight Against Superbugs
    August 20, 2025
    Hygiene Beyond The Clinic: Attention To Overlooked Non-Clinical Spaces
    August 13, 2025
    5 Steps to a Promising Career as a Healthcare Administrator
    August 3, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Almost Anybody Qualifies for Medicaid in Maine
    November 23, 2012
    ebola and EHR
    Ebola: Are We Relying on EHR to Tell the Story?
    October 24, 2014
    Caitlin Kelly
    How Would You Fix Healthcare? – Question and Answers.
    January 16, 2013
    Latest News
    How Social Security Disability Shapes Access to Care and Everyday Health
    August 22, 2025
    How a DUI Lawyer Can Help When Your Future Health Feels Uncertain
    August 22, 2025
    How One Fall Can Lead to a Long Road of Medical Complications
    August 22, 2025
    How IT and Marketing Teams Can Collaborate to Protect Patient Trust
    July 17, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: The Covid-19: A not-so-hidden quarantine weight gain pandemic
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Covid-19 > The Covid-19: A not-so-hidden quarantine weight gain pandemic
Covid-19Fitness

The Covid-19: A not-so-hidden quarantine weight gain pandemic

Kristel Staci
Kristel Staci
Share
8 Min Read
SHARE

According to a study recently published in JAMA Network Open, Americans gained more than just a pervading sense of isolation and restlessness during the pandemic quarantine. They also managed to accumulate a little bit of extra weight during this period, as well, to the tune of approximately two pounds per month.

It’s no secret that the coronavirus pandemic had been challenging for many, leading to more and more people turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms to help them contend with their elevated stress during the uncertainty. Similar research found depression, alcoholism, and even domestic abuse on the rise during this same time frame. 

Now that people are returning to work and greater levels of activity after all the lockdowns there is hope for calorie burning just through living a normal life, but it’s not that easy. Many left without jobs or only small bits of freelance work over the last year may not be so eager to get back out there, for work or play, after their weight gain. The process of acquiring gainful employment can be a long one too, from interviews to a job background check it’s not as easy as ordering from Uber Eats and waiting. Luckily, employers know this and are working to streamline their hiring process and up their employee retention. 

More Read

How COVID-19 Impacted The Dental Industry As A Whole
How Diet and Exercise Can Boost Your Mood
Treatments for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Heatwave Hacks: How to Exercise and Stay Cool in High Temperatures
Why Private Jets Are The Unlikely Heroes of The COVID-19 Pandemic

However, while these issues did get their share of time in the public eye, not many are talking about the “Quarantine Nineteen” — the approximately twenty pounds that the average person gained during the shelter-in-place.

Obesity: a public health crisis

Two pounds may not seem like a significant amount of weight to gain, and many people can easily fluctuate this amount in a month. It’s when that weight sticks around, and joins forces with additional pounds, that it starts to become problematic.

The United States has had its own share of weight-related issues over the past several decades, and it continues to get worse. With the majority of Americans overweight, and nearly half of us approaching obesity, the nation is currently in the midst of a so-called obesity crisis.

The data regarding it is fairly bleak, too. Currently, over 99 million Americans are overweight (73.6%) and of these numbers, 70 million are considered obese (42.5%). Therefore, any additional weight can be considered alarming and can certainly warrant intervention.

According to the study, researchers tracked the progression of weight gain from some 269 participants, collecting over 7,000 data points of measurement in total. Their participants included residents of 37 states, with the majority of them being white (77%) and by a smaller margin, female (52%).

The team of researchers discovered that there was an average weight gain of nearly half a pound every ten days. This resulted in a gain of anywhere between 1.5 to 2 pounds per month.

However, the researchers were willing to admit that the scope of their study may not be relevant to all Americans. Nevertheless, they did find that the weight gain occurred regardless of the participant’s location or any pre-existing medical conditions or co-comorbidities.

What actually causes weight gain?

As to what caused this weight gain, there is a considerable amount of speculation to its etiology. For instance, the shelter-in-place order led to a marked decrease in activity during the pandemic. 

In March 2020, daily step counts decreased by a whopping 27%, according to data collected from UCSF researchers. While it did pick up nominally during the summer, it subsequently declined once more and never returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Still, this is only one variable among many others. Medical experts are quick to point out that there are a myriad of other factors which can contribute to weight gain. While overeating and under-exercising can certainly contribute, it doesn’t paint the entire picture of a person’s health or lifestyle.

A number of medical conditions can lead to unwanted weight gain, even in the presence of an otherwise healthy diet or fitness regimen. One such example includes thyroid disorders. 

Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, has been shown to trigger weight gain due to various factors. When the body does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone, this can cause a reduced metabolism. In turn, weight gain can soon result, leading to an average of five to ten pounds of added weight.

Fortunately, testing is readily available, either through local clinics or via an at-home TSH test. The sooner the thyroid anomalies are detected, the sooner one can start treatment and stabilize (and even reduce) the weight gain.

Other conditions, such as depression (which has been shown to increase a hormone called “cortisol,” leading to increased visceral fatty tissue) can cause weight gain. Certain medications, such as SSRIs and high blood pressure medications, can also lead to increased appetite and fluid retention.

Staying healthy, both now and tomorrow

While it’s rare to encounter conditions that can lead to weight gain, it is not outside the scope of possibility. However, many experts agree that a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise can help offset most causes of weight gain.

In addition to staying mindful about one’s health, such as remaining vigilant as to the signs and symptoms of the various types of disorders which can lead to weight gain, it’s also crucial to focus on eating a balanced diet. This can also help mitigate unwanted pounds. Diets that are focused on lean proteins and whole foods, such as the Mediterranean diet, have been shown to be both nutritious and beneficial to warding off weight gain.

It’s best to avoid fad diets, however, as there is no evidence that they can lead to sustainable weight loss. Some studies have shown that they can even lead to weight gain in the long run. Conversely, by introducing gentle fitness, such as a walking regimen or yoga, caloric expenditure can be increased and one’s weight can therefore be decreased.

Ultimately, the goal for all during this pandemic and beyond is to maintain good health. By continuing to practice proper hygiene standards — such as wearing a face mask as mandated by the CDC, continuing to wash hands, and getting the vaccine when it becomes available — can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

And by remaining alert as to one’s own familial and genetic health risks, in addition to adhering to a balanced diet and fitness protocol, one can also avoid gaining their own “COVID nineteen (pounds).” In turn, everyone can enjoy a healthy life, free from the novel coronavirus (as well as unwanted weight gain!) both today, tomorrow, and in the future.

Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

engineer fitting prosthetic arm
How Social Security Disability Shapes Access to Care and Everyday Health
Health care
August 20, 2025
a woman explaining the document
How a DUI Lawyer Can Help When Your Future Health Feels Uncertain
Public Health
August 20, 2025
physiotherapist at work
How One Fall Can Lead to a Long Road of Medical Complications
Health care
August 20, 2025
Common Healthcare Accreditation Programs
7 Most Common Healthcare Accreditation Programs: Which Should You Use?
Health News
August 20, 2025

You Might also Like

Covid-19Specialties

What are the Infectious Agents You need to protect Yourself from?

July 7, 2021
exercise to stay healthy during the pandemic
Fitness

Five Pre-workout Rituals to Prepare You for a Great Workout

June 21, 2021
tips to deal with mental health challenges brought on by the pandemic
Covid-19Mental HealthNews

Struggling With Pandemic Blues? Here Are 5 Tips to Overcome Them

March 21, 2022
Covid-19Health

Has the Pandemic Changed How Healthcare Providers Operate?

February 8, 2022
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?