Individual level changes in body weight among Finnish adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic

ConclusionsThe weight loss among 70+ year olds seems worrying, but might be age related. Moreover, younger women and men with low education gained weight, groups known to be vulnerable for weight gain. Further analyses are required to evaluate whether containment measures related to COVID-19 pandemic have caused additional change compared to ageing and time related change.Key messagesFew weight changes were observed in the Finnish adult population. As weight gain/loss may take longer time to develop, further studies are needed to address the long term effects of COVID-19 pandemic.To avoid increasing health inequity after pandemic, public health promotion should stress obesity prevention among young women plus men with low education. Weight loss is a concern among the elderly.
Source: The European Journal of Public Health - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research