COVID REGULATIONS MAKES YOU FAT Survey: more than half of South Africans gained weight during the pandemic, 69% bordering on obese

SA – While the intention of lockdown regulations and physical distancing was to contain the spread of COVID-19, the unintended consequences have been an economic crisis, record-high unemployment, and a “plumper” population.  
A national survey conducted in the last two months among almost 2,000 South African adults paints a dire picture:

• 45% of respondents said lockdown regulations impacted their eating and exercise habits for the worse.
• 44% picked up between 2-5 kg; 15% are 6-10 kg heavier and 4% gained an extra 10 kgs or more.
• 58% of family members (spouse/ children) also packed on a few pounds.
• Increased weight gain in 15% of pets were also reported, which has equally real health consequences.
• 34% said their diet consists mainly of takeout and ready-made meals, while a further 30% said they eat what they can afford since their income has been impacted.
• 42% are exercising less than before the pandemic.
• 59% are currently on medication for a comorbidity such as heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension.

The survey was commissioned by Pharma Dynamics, the largest provider of cardiovascular medicine in the country, to assess the effect of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown on the nation’s eating and exercise patterns.   
Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics, said they are concerned about the long-term, negative effects that lockdown regulations have on SA’s obesity epidemic. “SA’s obesity-associated costs already stack up to an estimated R53.9-bn per annum, which puts a tremendous strain on our already fragile healthcare system.”
“The key to preventing heart disease or a stroke is to manage risk factors, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Regular blood pressure screening could mean the difference between life and death. In SA, ten people suffer a stroke every hour, while five succumb to a heart attack. Don’t become a statistic, get yourself screened,” she encouraged.  
The public can visit either their GP or a pharmacy to have their blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels taken and is advised to do so at least annually.  

Pharma Dynamics press release extracts, 3 May