Unhealthy habits and weight changes increasing due to pandemic stress, survey finds

Unhealthy habits and weight changes are increasing as Americans continue coping with the stress of the pandemic, a survey conducted in February by the American Psychological Association and The Harris Poll found.

A majority of adults have experienced undesired weight changes — both gains and losses — since the pandemic started, according to the survey. Forty-two percent of respondents reported that they had gained more weight than they intended, and the average weight gain in this group was 29 pounds. Additionally, 53% of respondents said they had been less physically active during the pandemic than they wanted to be.

Nearly one in four adults reported drinking more as a way to cope with increased stress, the survey also found, and 47% of the respondents said they had delayed or canceled health care services because of the pandemic.

The survey also found that parents are still struggling with mental health — nearly half of mothers who still have children at home for remote learning reported that their mental health has worsened, and 30% of fathers reported the same. This group also reported using alcohol to cope — 52% of parents with early elementary school-age children said they were drinking more.

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“We’ve been concerned throughout this pandemic about the level of prolonged stress, exacerbated by the grief, trauma and isolation that Americans are experiencing,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association, in a press release. “This survey reveals a secondary crisis that is likely to have persistent, serious mental and physical health consequences for years to come.”