Goodbye “freshman fifteen” and hello “quarantine fifteen.” With the increase in people’s weight gain since COVID, it’s no surprise how this dramatic change got its own name.
According to WebMD, an online publisher of health news, nearly half of women, and 25 percent of men in America gained weight since quarantine.
“It’s especially hard for people to stay fit in Arizona because it’s too hot for people to go outside,” said Christy Sipos, a runner.
Staying at home gives people the option of making home cooked meals or quick and easy microwaveable meals. Because of the ease and accessibility, many people stuck with the second option. Going out shopping for groceries has become less common in order to avoid catching or spreading the coronavirus. Eating ready-made meals daily can create unhealthy eating habits.
“I think it’s important to eat healthy and stay healthy, this will make them feel better, and maybe even safer at this time, however, it’s still good to treat yourself sometimes,” says Ally McKay, a junior.
For nearly everyone, this is without a doubt a very scary time. Self isolation, people losing their jobs, and just the pandemic in itself can be stressful. How do people cope with all this stress? Stress eating. According to WebMD, 70 percent of people linked their weight gain with stress eating.
“I think people react to stress in different ways, so gaining 15 pounds during quarantine because of stress eating might work for some people. I don’t really know how or why,” said Brian Fleisch, a junior.
A lot of what is in people’s pantries are unhealthy snacks. Common foods used to stress eat are carb-heavy foods, such as candy, and noodles.
Unlike “freshman fifteen,” the new “quarantine fifteen” does not just have to do with young adults, it applies to everyone. The “freshman fifteen” get its name because these young adults are on their own with no parental control. In “quarantine fifteen’s” case, it is quite the opposite. There is a lack of freedom, and that’s what’s causing the weight gain. One thing these sayings have in common is alcohol. Just like college students, adults are drinking an increasing amount of alcohol since the coronavirus. Drinking alcohol is yet another way people have begun to cope with the stress that comes with this pandemic. In the early stages of quarantine, alcohol sales increased by 55 percent according to Newsweek.
To avoid the infamous “quarantine fifteen,” remember to exercise and stay active. Avoid unhealthy eating habits such as unhealthy meals and stress eating. It may be hard to resist now, but it will be worth it in the end.