Combating pandemic weight gain

Q: I’ve packed on a few pounds in the past year and a half. I think it’s because I am doing less out of the house (less work, play and socializing). Any suggestions? I don’t want to keep gaining weight. -- Laverne G., Gainesville, Florida

A: You’re not alone. A multi-center study surveyed 3,400 adults and found that almost half gained weight during the first 12 months of the pandemic. The researchers also point out that 65% of folks who were overweight before the pandemic had added weight, while only 40% of those who were a healthy weight before the start had gained. Those who said they were feeling depressed or anxious about life also gained substantially more weight than folks feeling less blue. And having kids at home (the pressure of home-schooling!) was associated with weight gain.

It’s easy to gain weight when you’re reluctant to go to the gym or venture outside. Even before the pandemic, a quarter of U.S. adults weren’t active enough to protect their health, according to new info collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the number has just gone up and up.

I recommend 300 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity weekly and two 30-minute strength-building sessions, too. Decreasing stress with meditation, exercise and good sleep habits also can help weight management. If you want more ideas on how to get moving, check out www. Cdc.gov; search for “How to Be Physically Active While Social Distancing.”

I also recommend writing down everything you eat each day. Studies show that can lead to healthier eating and weight loss. And for the best ideas about nutrition and intermittent fasting, check out my book “What to Eat When.”

One more interesting factoid: A study in Obesity found that more than 20% of U.S. adults are taking at least one medication that causes weight gain. So ask your doctor if medications you take regularly could be contributing to your struggle to achieve a healthy weight.