Frequency of Weight Gain and its Impact in Adults during Lockdown: A Cross- Sectional Study

Objectives: The current lockdown in the country has led to a sedentary lifestyle because of a shift of daily activities online and a fear of contracting the illness leading to isolation inside homes; Hence an expected change in weight of the general population. This study aims to determine the frequency of weight gain and its impact in adults during the current lockdown of COVID-19. Methods: Participants selected from the ages of 18-25 from different universities of Pakistan were sent questionnaires via WhatsApp, posted online using Microsoft Forms. A total of 157 responses were attained. Results: Among the 157 participants the average weight before the lockdown was 61.95 kgs and after the lockdown was 64.99kgs so there was an increase of 3.016 kgs whereas 18.5% of the sample maintained their weight and 37.6% were reported to have lost weight. The results also depict a 1.6% increase in impairment of body image. Conclusion: We concluded that the Lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a gain in the weight and lowered self-esteem with regard to body image of most young adults in Pakistan due to many factors including higher food intake, lack of exercise and also emotional distress.