The Pandemic 15: The Rise in Obesity and Depression

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The Pandemic 15: The Rise in Obesity and Depression During the COVID-19 Lockdown

Hartej Gill, PhD(c)

Disclosures

September 28, 2021

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The COVID-19 pandemic began with overwhelming uncertainty for much of the general population. The bustle of early-morning commutes turned to empty streets and closed businesses. The government-imposed lockdowns have led to major lifestyle changes for individuals around the world. With the high risk for disease transmissibility in social settings, regulatory bodies had instructed citizens to stay indoors and practice social distancing. Following a rapid shift to virtual jobs, trips to the workplace had quickly turned into frequent trips to the fridge.

Personally, I found myself unable to keep up with my usual physical activity during the time spent at home. The occasional snack turned to a daily snack break or trip to the fridge. The accessibility and convenience of frequent snacking between meetings was irresistible.

Although lockdown measures are being reduced with rising vaccination rates, "normalcy" has not returned for many. An increase in sedentary lifestyle has led to a number of mental and physiologic morbidities. In particular, with more time spent inside the home, individuals have experienced a rapid decrease in physical activity, coupled with an increase in caloric intake. Taken together, the risk of developing obesity has increased, and this has seen a worsening of both metabolicand

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