Weight trajectory during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in Malaysia

Abstract This study examines the weight trajectory of Malaysian adults and its associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic information and anthropometric measurements, including body height (cm) and body weights (kg) before and during the pandemic, were self-reported by the respondents. The current study showed that 47.8% (using absolute weight change status) and 25.5% (using relative weight change status) of the adults gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adults who were previously underweight or had a normal BMI experienced significantly higher body weight (under-weight: t= -6.176, p< 0.001 and normal: t= -6.193, p< 0.001) and BMI (underweight: t= -6.127, p< 0.001 and normal: t= -5.982, p< 0.001) during the pandemic. No significant associations were observed between socio-demographic characteristics and the weight status of the respondents, except for ethnicity (χ2= 12.858, p= 0.045). The stay-at-home orders appeared to drive up the prevalence of over-weight/obesity, BMI, and absolute and relative weight gain in Malaysian adults. The increase was mainly associated with higher body weight and BMI among those previously underweight or had a normal BMI. Gender, age, marital status, and educational level were not associated with weight trajectory during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study may be useful in formulating weight management strategies in the post-pandemic era.