The effects of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on physical activity of people with obesity

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.

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.

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).

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.