einstein (São Paulo). 13/Apr/2022;20:eAO6727.
The effects of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on physical activity of people with obesity
Wagner Luiz do Prado
, Mara Cristina Lofrano-Prado
, Diego Giulliano Destro Christofaro
, Carla Caroliny de Almeida Santana
, Gabriel Grizzo Cucato
, Matthew Jackson
, Grace Shumate
, Sarah Shumate
, Marilia de Almeida Correia
, João Paulo Botero
, Raphael Mendes Ritti-Dias
DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2022AO6727
ABSTRACT
Objective
To verify the association of changes on physical activity levels during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak of individuals with normal weight and overweight/obesity, and the influence of sex in this relationship.
Methods
This cross-sectional study (survey research) was conducted in Brazil between May 5 and May 17, 2020. Participants (n=1,828 / 1,062 women >18 years) were invited through social media to answer a structured questionnaire via Google Forms. The online assessment included self-reported responses to questions on physical activity, overall health, weight, and height. Binary logistic regression analyzed the relationship between overweight/obesity (body mass index ≥25kg/m2), the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity level, and the influence of sex.
Results
Compared to normal weight people, those with overweight/obesity practice less moderate to vigorous physical activity (p<0.001). There were associations between women and men with overweight/obesity and the impact of COVID-19 on the physical activity practice compared to normal weight people, adjusted by age, education level, social isolation, and previous physical activity level (p<0.017).
Conclusion
The study found an association of weight and changes in physical activity levels. Individuals with overweight/obesity were more likely to have a lower physical activity level during COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of sex.
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