The impact of living through COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, food insecurity, loneliness and health behaviours in people with obesity.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of people living with obesity, and associations with food insecurity, loneliness, and health-related behaviours. METHODS: The study recruited 1187 UK adults living with obesity who completed an online survey, that examined mental health, and associations with food insecurity, loneliness, and health-related behaviours from July 2020 (end of the first UK lockdown) to the point they completed the survey in 2021. Regression analyses were used to examine relationships between outcome variables and demographic factors, and hierarchical linear regression models were used to assess levels of loneliness, depression, and wellbeing. RESULTS: Participants reported worse loneliness, depression, wellbeing, and food insecurity compared to pre-COVID. However, participants reported attempting to lose weight, healthier food shopping, diet, and increased physical activity. Quality and quantity of sleep deteriorated compared to prior to COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Adult living with obesity in the UK report a continued negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon their mental health together with increased loneliness and food insecurity. However, our findings suggest that UK adults living with obesity have increased their engagement in positive health behaviours and were attempting to lose weight. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.