Share

Working off your quarantine weight gain

accreditation
  • During the lockdown, many of us picked up unhealthy habits and gained weight
  • Making changes to our lifestyles can help us drop the excess weight
  • We can start by getting more exercise and making healthier food choices 


Life in lockdown has led many to overeat and gain weight, a phenomenon referred to as the "Covid-15".

But some small changes can get you back into shape, a weight management specialist suggests.

"Covid-19 changed how we eat, what we eat and how we spend our day," said Dr Peter Jian, an assistant professor of family and community medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

"Unfortunately, for some of us that meant less healthy choices," Jian added in a Baylor news release.

Jian offered these tips for working off the excess pounds and returning to a healthy lifestyle:

  • Learn how to cook. Or start other new hobbies to keep active. "Use this time as an opportunity to focus on the things that we can do in order to improve our health," Jian said.
  • Stay physically active. If you're afraid to go to the gym, try biking, hiking and walking outside. You can also join an online fitness programme.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Buy nutritious foods with curbside pickup or delivery. If you shop in person, choose foods placed at the front and side aisles, where the fresh and organic produce is available. Avoid prepackaged and processed foods.
  • To lose weight, start small. Gradually introduce new eating and exercise habits. This makes changes easier to adjust to.
  • Stay clear of fad diets. Many of these programmes aren't backed by science and could be harmful. If you have difficulty losing weight, see your doctor.

"It's a very challenging time. But I think the best we can do is focus on the positives and focus on the things that we can control, and the things that we can do to positively influence our own health," Jian said.

Image credit: iStock 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE