Work- and Health-related Events and Changes in Body Mass Index during the Covid-19 lockdown. Evidence from the Lifelines Cohort Study in the Netherlands. (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Background The aim of this study was to identify the main trends in terms of changes in body mass index (BMI) during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Netherlands. Moreover, we aimed to investigate whether work- and health-related disruptive events triggered by the pandemic, such as job insecurity or mental health issues, were associated with such changes in BMI. Methods Longitudinal data from the Lifelines Covid Questionnaire was used (21 waves between April 2020 and July 2021; n=64,630). Overall BMI trends were analysed using growth curve modelling. Different trajectories were identified using group-based trajectory models. Multinomial regression models were fitted to analyse the main determinants of experiencing changes in BMI during the pandemic. Results Experiencing disruptive work-related events (e.g. being laid-off or having a temporary contract) and health-related events (e.g. anxiety or depression) during the pandemic were associated with changes in BMI, particularly weight gain. Conclusions Work- and health-related events were strongly associated with changes in BMI during the Covid-19 pandemic. Although such changes may be partly explained by lifestyle factors, such as diet or physical activity, this study aligns with the existing evidence on the embodiment of stress, suggesting a strong association between disruptive events and changes in body weight.