Systematic review of the effects of pandemic confinements on body weight and their determinants

Moien AB Khan, Preetha Menon, Romona Govender, Amal Samra, Javaid Nauman, Linda Ostlundh, Halla Mustafa, Kholoud K Allaham, Jane E.M. Smith, Juma M Al Kaabi
2021 British Journal of Nutrition  
Pandemics and subsequent lifestyle restrictions such as 'lockdowns' may have unintended consequences, including alterations in body weight. This systematic review assesses the impact of pandemic confinement on body weight and identifies contributory factors. A comprehensive literature search was performed in seven electronic databases and in gray sources from their inception until July 1st 2020 with an update in PubMed and Scopus on February 1st 2021. In total, 2,361 unique records were
more » ... d, of which 41 studies were identified eligible: 1 case control study, 14 cohort and 26 cross-sectional studies (469, 362 total participants). The participants ranged in age from 6–86 years. The proportion of female participants ranged from 37% to 100%. Pandemic confinements were associated with weight gain in 7.2%–72.4% of participants and weight loss in 11.1%–32.0% of participants. Weight gain ranged from 0.6 (±1.3) to 3.0 (±2.4) kg, and weight loss ranged from 2.0 (±1.4) to 2.9 (±1.5) kg. Weight gain occurred predominantly in participants who were already overweight or obese. Associated factors included increased consumption of unhealthy food with changes in physical activity and altered sleep patterns. Weight loss during the pandemic was observed in individuals with previous low weight, and those who ate less and were more physically active before lock down. Maintaining a stable weight was more difficult in populations with reduced income, particularly in individuals with lower educational attainment. The findings of this systematic review highlight the short-term effects of pandemic confinements.
doi:10.1017/s0007114521000921 pmid:33706844 pmcid:PMC8376925 fatcat:mam57guwu5fyrin3qqp5j5jy7u