The pandemic has resulted in many changes in our lives, including physical activity level, weight, and mental health. One of the biggest factors is the implementation of large-scale social restrictions that make various activities must be done from home. Let’s see the explanation further!
Changes in Physical Activity Levels
Changes in physical activity vary from person to person. However, in general, there has been a decrease in physical activity and an increase in sedentary lifestyles since the pandemic. In a survey conducted by Ammar, et al. and published in the Journal of Nutrients, it was explained that there was an increase in the average sitting time from 5 hours per day to 8 hours per day during the pandemic. Another study in Spain showed a 24% increase in daily sitting time and a 58% decrease in daily walking time.
However, there are also studies showing that there has been an increase in exercise among women and college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, in men and adolescents, it was reported that there was a decrease in physical activity followed by an increase in sedentary activity during the lockdown, and large-scale social restrictions were carried out. In line with this, there has also been an increase in screen time.
Body Weight Changes
Changes in body weight experienced by people during the pandemic are influenced by two main factors, namely changes in eating habits or patterns and changes in physical activity levels. One in two people is reported to have gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic. This weight gain is due to several specific factors, such as insufficient sleep, snacking habits after dinner, eating large amounts of food due to stress, and decreased physical activity levels.
However, this does not mean that there are no people who do not experience weight changes or even weight loss. According to a study conducted by Zarah et al and published in the Journal of Nutrients in 2020, it was reported that 2 out of 5 people in America did not experience weight changes during the pandemic. On the other hand, 1 in 5 people loses weight. In these people, it was reported that there was no significant change in daily eating habits.
Mental Health Level Changes
Stress levels tend to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, so the level of mental health, in general, has decreased. In addition to stress, anxiety disorders, depression, and mood disorders are also increasing. Furthermore, signs of depression and anxiety disorders are more commonly seen in women, especially in mothers and young adults. In some people, it is also related to changes in eating habits and levels of physical activity. Increased consumption of unhealthy foods and decreased levels of physical activity are reported to be associated with decreased levels of mental health.
This is because healthy eating habits help in reducing the signs of inflammation, where high levels of inflammation are associated with various mental health disorders. With a good diet, the risk of depression can also be lowered. However, studies on further mechanisms regarding diet and mental health are not yet available. Meanwhile, moderate and high levels of physical activity were associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety disorders. This relationship is influenced by neurobiological mechanisms, psychosocial, and habitual factors. Therefore, good eating habits and physical activity are associated with improved mental health levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maintaining a healthy diet and regular physical activity is very important to maintain our physical and mental health. Stay tuned for more articles related to diet and health from Fitie to help you stay healthy during the pandemic.
Sources:
Ammar, A., Brach, M., Trabelsi, K., dkk. (2020). Effects of COVID-19 Home Confinement on Eating Behaviour and Physical Activity: Results of the ECLB-COVID19 International Online Survey. Nutrients, 12(6), 1583.
Castañeda-Babarro, A., Arbillaga-Etxarri, A., Gutiérrez-Santamaría, B., dkk. (2020). Physical Activity Change during COVID-19 Confinement. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(18), 6878.
Chi, X., Liang, K., Chen, S. T., dkk. (2021). Mental health problems among Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19: The importance of nutrition and physical activity. International journal of clinical and health psychology: IJCHP, 21(3), 100218.
Faulkner, J., O'Brien, W. J., McGrane, B., dkk. (2021). Physical activity, mental health and well-being of adults during initial COVID-19 containment strategies: A multi-country cross-sectional analysis. Journal of science and medicine in sport, 24(4), 320–326.