Factors associated with individual-level changes in BMI as a result of COVID-19 in the general- and migrant-origin populations in Finland.

Abstract

Aims: There is limited information on changes in body mass index (BMI) due to the COVID-19 pandemic among persons of migrant origin. The aim of the present study was to examine factors associated with changes in BMI among the general- and migrant-origin populations in Finland.

Methods: Longitudinal data to explore individual-level changes in self-reported BMI among migrant-origin persons (N = 3313) were obtained from the FinMonik Survey conducted in 2018 and the MigCOVID Survey conducted 2020-2021. Data for the general population reference group were obtained from the FinHealth 2017 Study conducted 2017-2018 and its follow-up conducted in 2020 (N = 2982). Logistic regression was applied to examine whether age, sex, education, economic activity, length of residence in Finland, language skills, smoking, alcohol usage, sleep, physical activity, snacking, and fruit and vegetable consumption were associated with an increase or decrease in BMI. A change in BMI was defined as a 5% or greater increase or decrease.

Results: Twenty-seven per cent of the migrant-origin population experienced an increase in BMI, while 14% had a decrease in BMI. These results corresponded to figures observed among the general population in Finland (27% and 14%). Persons of migrant origin who were other than students or employed faced greater odds of an increase in BMI of at least 5% (OR = 1.71). In the general population, an increase in BMI of at least 5% had greater odds of occurring among women (OR = 1.61), those who were other than students or employed (OR = 1.68), those who increased their alcohol intake (OR = 1.64), those who increased their snacking (OR = 1.40) and decreased their fruit and vegetable intake (OR = 1.85).

Conclusions: Most examined factors applied differently to general- and migrant-origin populations and by migrant-origin group. These differences must be considered when planning future public health promotion efforts, particularly those during crisis situations.