You probably don’t need any study to tell you that weight gain is a common problem during quarantine. As many companies have gone remote, gyms have closed down, and orders to stay at home still remain in effect in most states, quarantine weight gain is a very real problem for millions of Americans.
The Problem With Gaining Weight
Gaining weight is something many joke about, but it really is no laughing matter. Dangers of being overweight are plenty. It increases your risk of developing diseases such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, and osteoarthritis. If you have a chronic medical condition, weight gain can worsen symptoms and increase your risk of complications. Lastly, being overweight or obese is a risk factor for COVID-related deaths. You have a higher risk of dying from COVID-19 should you get it if you are obese.
Making changes for weight loss is not about being vain. A healthy weight means better health and better disease treatment/management outcomes. So, how do you lose the weight you gained during quarantine?
Making Weight Loss Happen During Quarantine
Weight is notoriously easy to gain and difficult to lose, especially when you’re stuck at home all the time. Here are a few tips on how to slowly lose the weight you gained during quarantine.
Keep on Moving
You can remain physically active even during quarantine. Take a walk in the mornings, take frequent breaks from work and get up from your chair, take the stairs, cook and clean, garden, and walk your dog. There are also plenty of exercises you can do at home. Before you start any exercise program, make sure to check with your doctor.
Mind What You Eat
The main reason why people gain weight is because they eat more calories than their bodies use. Eating empty calories is common if you consume unhealthy foods. Mindfulness is lost when you snack on junk food. Whether it’s French fries, tater tots, onion rings, potatoes, and chicken nuggets or cookies, cupcakes, and muffins, you know there are plenty of foods that are bad for you. Mindfulness in eating involves consuming foods that give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs. If you don’t have time to cook, planning your meals for the rest of the week helps give you direction and prevents straying from healthy foods. Overall, you should consume limited calories that are filling, so that you don’t eat more than what your body needs currently.
Manage Stress Levels
Pandemic stress is real and can lead to weight gain. Not sleeping well leads to a higher chance of snacking or stress-eating. Get eight hours of sleep every night and learn meditation exercises. Mindful practices are a big help in reducing stress levels, as well.
Is It Time To Lose Weight?
Weight gain is usually accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms such as body pain and acid reflux. People who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater may have a difficult time losing weight without medical intervention. Fortunately, there are medical programs for weight loss that you can get through a primary care doctor.
Weight Loss Center in Irmo, South Carolina
At SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation, LLC, we have a Center for Medical Weight Loss (CMWL) where we help patients reach their weight loss goals. Our internal medicine doctors will work with you to create an effective weight loss program that is based on your body composition and tailored to your lifestyle and needs.
If you are ready to lose the weight you gained during quarantine, call our weight loss center at (803) 749-1111 or use our online request form.
