Physical and mental health in the U.S. ‘eroded’ since COVID: Gallup

Health

By Alex Mitchell

COVID-19 and remote work have left significantly negative impacts on Americans’ health and wellness — particularly in how eating habits “eroded substantially” and weight gain exponentially increased, a new Gallup study found.

“Much of the recent increase in obesity may be associated with modified health behaviors resulting from the pandemic,” according to the report, citing the work-from-home era.

Current data from the Centers for Disease Control found that 22 states reported at least 35% of its adult population was obese in 2022.

By contrast, there were only 19 states with that count in 2021.

Gallup, which surveyed people in August and September, found that an estimated 38.4% of the US is struggling with obesity — up 6% from 2019 and on par with a record high 39.% measured last year.

Rates of diabetes also increased by 1.1% since 2019, reaching a new high of 13.6% overall.

The age groups of 45 to 64 in addition to 30 to 44 saw the highest obesity increases of 8.2% and 6.1%, respectively.

In tandem with the numbers on weight gain, the CDC also found that nearly 1 in 5 Americans are battling depression post-pandemic as well.

Proper nutrition also suffered, Gallup statistics showed. Adults who ate healthily also tanked 5% since 2019, from 51.7% to 46.7%. Again, the 30 to 44 age group saw the most staggering drop down 9.2% from 44.5% to 33.5%.

The consumption of produce took an even bigger dip with just 42% of respondents saying they ate a minimum of five servings of fruits or vegetables in the past four days.

In 2019, that number was 49.9%.

Other age groups also saw a drop in the consumption of vegetables. Ages 45 to 64 decreased from 50.5% to 40%, and 30 to 44 sank 8.5% from 47.8% to 39.3%.

Those under the age of 30 did not see any significant decreases in either category.

High cholesterol also was reported 3.3% higher at 25.1% as other health-related inquiries, even about simply feeling good about yourself, “are all down significantly,” according to the research.

The self-esteem-related question saw a drop from 37.6% to 28.3%.

“Eating habits nationally have eroded substantially since 2019, underscoring an urgency for communities, organizations and government agencies alike to reinvigorate healthy eating priorities,” the report noted.

“These can include making healthy eating options easier by adding healthier choices to restaurant menus, business cafeterias and school lunchrooms, as well as moving health food markets to the front of grocery stores.”

Gallup also associated these unhealthy habits with economic impacts, concluding that those who don’t feel good about themselves are often more absent from public settings and therefore spending less.

New research also found prolonged loneliness is as dangerous to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes.