Lessons learned from the lived experiences of people living with obesity during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom
Authors' conclusion
People living with obesity experienced distinct challenges during the first COVID-19 lockdown, affecting their ability to practice and maintain health-related behaviours.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with obesity during the first UK COVID-19 lockdown; 87.8% female, mean age 51.6 (SD 9.9) years, 65.3% BMI ≥40 kg/m², 57.7% not enrolled in weight management services467 responded to free text
- Participants
- 543 adults
- Outcome
- Themes of lived experience
- Follow-up
- First UK COVID-19 lockdown
Methodological detailsthematic analysis of large-scale free-text survey data
- Thematic analysis of large-scale free-text survey data
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Five overarching themes and 10 sub-themes identified
- Increased fear and anxiety: fear of contracting COVID-19 and concerns about weight gain
- Impact of obesity classified as 'high risk': UK Government messages linking obesity with severe COVID-19 complications exacerbated shame and stigma
- Disruption in weight management services caused further health concerns
- Impact on health-related behaviours: changes in shopping, diet, physical activity and sleep patterns
- Adverse impact on mental health
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Lessons learned from the lived experiences of people living with obesity during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 10 April 2025. doi:10.
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