Report: Many gained weight during pandemic

Stress, change in habits can cause decline in health.

Since the pandemic began, about 42% of U.S. adults have gained weight, according to the American Psychological Association’s latest “Stress in America” report.

About half of the weight-gainers reported adding more than 15 pounds; 10%, more than 50 pounds. Not everyone has gained, however.

Besides weight, the APA survey looked at changes in such areas as sleep and alcohol consumption. It noted that adults’ physical health may be declining because of problems coping with the stresses of the pandemic: grief, trauma, isolation and a change in daily habits.

Those whose weight gain makes them overweight or obese face increased risk for various long-term health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and more.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that people who are overweight face a higher risk of developing severe illness from the coronavirus.

29

Number of pounds, on average, that U.S. adults have gained during the pandemic, according to the American Psychological Association’s latest “Stress in America”report.

37

Average number of pounds put on by men, vs. 22 pounds for women, on average. Younger adults have gained more than older people (millennials averaging 41 pounds vs. baby boomers at 16 pounds).

18%

Percentage of adults in the study report who said they dealt with unwanted weight loss (or weight loss more than intended). In this group, the average weight loss was 26 pounds, with half losing at least 12 pounds.