The Problem of Obesity in Pandemic

Have you ever stepped on the weighing scale after lockdown and thought, “What happened to me?” You’re not alone. The obesity problem in pandemic became a global concern, silently growing behind closed doors as we battled the virus. People moved less, ate more, and stressed out constantly, a perfect storm for gaining weight. From kids glued to screens to adults skipping workouts and binge-eating in silence, obesity in pandemic quietly took over lives worldwide.

In this blog, we will explore why obesity surged during the pandemic, how it’s affecting our health today, and what you can do if you’re struggling with it.

How Did the Pandemic Worsen the Obesity Problem?

While the world was focused on COVID-19, the hidden epidemic of obesity was rising fast. Let’s look at how our day-to-day lifestyle was turned upside down.

What Lifestyle Shifts During Lockdown Contributed to Obesity?

Lockdowns led to major changes in how we moved, ate, and lived.

• Sedentary lifestyle increase: With schools, offices, and gyms shut down, most people spent 10–14 hours sitting daily.
• Closure of gyms and public spaces: People lost access to regular workouts, sports, and outdoor activities.
• Work-from-home weight gain trends: The rise of remote work also gave rise to unhealthy snacking and zero commute.

Sitting too long and moving too little made obesity in pandemic much worse.

Did Mental Health Issues Like Anxiety and Depression Trigger Weight Gain?

Our mental state impacts what we eat and how we feel about our bodies.

• Emotional eating: Many turned to food for comfort during uncertain times.
• Pandemic stress leading to binge eating: Cortisol (the stress hormone) went up, causing increased appetite.
• Increased alcohol & junk food consumption: More screen time and fewer social outings meant more pizza, chips, and soda.

Stress and anxiety made it harder to eat healthy or control portions.

What Do the Statistics Say About the Obesity Rate During the Pandemic?

We can’t fix what we don’t measure. Let’s look at the data on how bad obesity got during and after COVID-19.

What Was the Rate of Obesity in the USA Pre and Post-Pandemic?

• According to CDC data:
  • In 2019, adult obesity rate in the USA was 42.4%.
  • By 2022, it increased to 44.2%.
• The biggest jump was seen in class 3 obesity, which rose from 9.2% to 10.8%.
• Childhood obesity rates went up by 3% in just 2 years.

The rate of obesity in USA grew fast during the pandemic, especially class 3 obesity.

What Was the Rate of Obesity in India During COVID-19?

• NFHS-5 (2021) showed:
  • Rate of obesity in India among urban adults was 24.6% (male) and 30.7% (female).
  • In rural areas, it was 12.6% (male) and 17.6% (female).
• Child obesity grew by 5–7% according to ICMR.

The obesity problem in pandemic hit both rural and urban India, but urban regions saw more of a rise.

What is Considered Obese and How Is It Measured?

To understand if you’re overweight or obese, the most common tool is BMI.

What BMI Is Considered Obese in Adults?

The World Health Organization uses the following BMI classification:

BMI Range	Category
18.5 – 24.9	Normal weight
25.0 – 29.9	Overweight
30.0 – 34.9	Obesity Class I
35.0 – 39.9	Obesity Class II
40.0 and above	Class 3 obesity

• What BMI is obese: 30 and above is considered obese.
• Limitations: BMI doesn’t measure fat directly and may not apply well across ethnic groups.

What is considered obese is mainly based on BMI, but individual differences matter too.

What Weight is Considered Obese for Different Heights?

Check the table below to understand what weight is considered obese:

Height (ft/in)	Obese Weight (kg)
5’0″	70+ kg
5’4″	80+ kg
5’8″	90+ kg
6’0″	100+ kg

One line summary: Your height matters when checking what weight is considered obese.

Causes of obesity:

Now that you have an idea about obesity, let us know how it is caused.

Obesity results from contributions of some mental, behavioral, and hereditary influences. To name a few, the causes of this medical condition are

• fast food or high-calorie beverages
• increase in physical inactivity
• Not getting enough sleep or getting too much sleep
• Overeating
• Incorrect frequency of meals
• stress eating habits
• pregnancy
• Quitting smoking
• Medical conditions like hypothyroidism and many more
• Oral medications like antidepressants and antihistamines
• Poverty, as people do not have enough luxury to even buy healthy meals for them

Overweight and obesity are connected to a more significant number of deaths worldwide than underweight. Internationally, a more substantial number of individuals are obese than skinny – this happens in each area except for parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

Obesity symptoms and complications:

Obesity is a grave medical problem that can happen at any age. But as we age, our body becomes more prone to obesity due to hormonal transformations and a less energetic lifestyle. Several signs and symptoms of obesity include:

• Sweating
• The abundance of muscle around the abdomen area
• Snoring
• Skin issues from dampness amassing in the folds of skin
• Trouble sleeping
• Mental problems like negative confidence, melancholy, disgrace, and social confinement
• Powerlessness to perform straightforward errands that one could undoubtedly perform before weight gain
• Weakness
• Torment, particularly toward the back and joints
• Shortness of breath

While children may have slightly different signs and symptoms for weight gain, children may experience the early onset of puberty and dark, velvety skin around the neck. Constipation is also reported as a symptom in obese people below 19.

Obesity can lead to several medical complications. Real unexpected problems that are bound to happen with obesity incorporate

• heart disease and strokes
• gallbladder disease
• insulin resistance and diabetes
• cancer of the uterus, rectum, liver, and prostate
• osteoarthritis
• liver problems
• develop severe COVID-19symptoms
• Breathing problems while sleeping

How Can Individuals Reverse Pandemic Weight Gain?

If you gained weight during COVID, don’t panic. Many are in the same boat.

What Behavioral Changes Are Recommended?

• Fix sleep hygiene: Go to bed early and avoid screens.
• Practice mindful eating: Eat slowly and avoid distractions.
• Try intermittent fasting or portion control.

Small daily habits can create big results for pandemic weight gain.

What Medical and Surgical Options Are Available for Obesity?

• Medications like GLP-1 help reduce appetite.
• Bariatric surgery is recommended for class 2 or class 3 obesity.
• Post-surgery: Follow strict diet and regular checkups.

For severe cases, medical help is needed for proper obesity management in India.

Book a Consultation for Obesity with Dr. Nivedita Pandey

The pandemic may have paused the world, but it didn’t pause weight gain. Whether you’re dealing with class 3 obesity, struggling to lose pandemic weight, or just want to feel better, there’s hope. Getting help early can protect your heart, liver, and future health.

Dr. Nivedita Pandey, MBBS, Diplomate of the American Board (Internal Medicine & Gastroenterology), is a US-trained, board-certified gastroenterologist. She specializes in obesity treatment, fatty liver, NASH, and other gut and liver problems. As one of South Delhi’s trusted female specialists, she offers the care and guidance you deserve.

Book a consultation today and take the first step toward better health.

FAQs

What is considered obese after COVID-19?

Obesity is still defined by a BMI of 30 or higher. However, post-COVID health experts are also focusing more on visceral fat, which surrounds vital organs and increases health risks. People with abdominal obesity may be at greater risk even if their BMI is just borderline. Getting a professional health evaluation can help clarify your risk level.

Is obesity more dangerous now after the pandemic?

Yes, obesity has become more dangerous due to its link with severe COVID-19 outcomes and other infections. Post-pandemic studies show higher inflammation, insulin resistance, and complications in obese individuals. This makes managing weight more critical than ever for overall health and immunity.

Can COVID cause long-term weight gain?

COVID-19 can lead to long-term weight gain in many people. Factors include reduced physical activity, changes in appetite-regulating hormones, and prolonged fatigue. Mental stress and disrupted sleep further contribute to slow metabolism and weight gain over time.

Did lockdowns cause a rise in childhood obesity?

Yes, lockdowns played a major role in increasing childhood obesity. With schools closed, kids lost access to physical activities and structured routines. Increased screen time, poor eating habits, and lack of outdoor play significantly raised obesity risks in children and teens.

How do I know if I have Class 3 obesity?

Class 3 obesity is diagnosed when your BMI is 40 or more. It indicates severe obesity and often comes with serious health risks. If your weight is far above the normal range for your height, a medical consultation is recommended for accurate diagnosis and personalized care.

Is BMI still a valid way to measure obesity?

BMI is still widely used but has its limits. It doesn’t differentiate between fat and muscle mass or account for body fat distribution. Waist size, lifestyle, and other markers should also be considered to get a full picture of your health.

Which country saw the worst rise in obesity during the pandemic?

The United States experienced the steepest rise in obesity during the pandemic. The rate of obesity in USA jumped significantly, especially in children and among those with class 3 obesity, making it a major public health concern. The rate of obesity in USA grew the most, with millions entering the class 3 obesity category.