Unscientific Survey: Weight Change
“The Freshman 15” refers to the number of pounds traditionally gained in one’s first year of college. “The Covid 19,” inevitably, is a cute designation for weight put on during the pandemic. A recent American Psychological Association report puts some numbers behind the wisecrack. The APA reports:
“A majority of adults (61%) reported experiencing undesired weight changes since the start of the pandemic, with more than 2 in 5 (42%) saying they gained more weight than they intended. Of this group, adults reported gaining an average of 29 pounds (with a typical gain of 15 pounds, which is the median).”
Our latest Unscientific Survey shows a similar proportion of Swarthmorean readers — 41% — have gained weight, though it’s not quite apples to apples since we didn’t ask about intentions. Breaking it down a bit more, about 30% reported gaining 3-10 pounds, and 11% gained 10 pounds or more. Meanwhile, more than 37% stayed about the same, and about 20% actually lost weight.
One reader comment gave insight into how easy it has been to put on poundage: “Bread. Lots of bread. And beer.” I can relate.
But most of the comments were from people who lost weight and were happy about it.
“Instead of buying lunches, I’ve been making my own; less fat and carbs by default.”
“Lots of exercise, no fast foods, and great cooking ingredients from the Co-op!”
“Enjoyed not eating in restaurants and learning to make more homemade food. Created dinner time as a special time of the day. Great to have my husband home so we could eat earlier.”
“Shout out to Swarthmore’s own Pilates Connexion for going virtual in the pandemic, which kept me exercising and prevented weight gain.”
“I started a whole-food, plant-based diet in January — which was much easier to do during the pandemic because I could prepare and eat all of my meals at home. Resisting the standard American diet involved with eating/drinking socially will be a challenge!”
One reader left us with a question of his or her own: “During the lockdown funk, did you become a chunk, a hunk, a monk, or a drunk?”
A personal note: This is my final Unscientific Survey. Taking the town’s pulse over the past year and a half or so has been fun, interesting and (unscientifically) informative. Many thanks to those of you who’ve responded to the surveys and — especially — left smart, revealing, and often funny comments.
