'Corona' Year 2, What If Your Side Fat Folds? ... Obesity Society Issues 'Hwakjjinja' Warning "Gained 3kg After Corona"

Decrease in Physical Activity Leads to Increased Body Fat and Higher Obesity Risk

Need for Proper Exercise and Dietary Improvements

[Image source=Clipart Korea]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Although the amount of food consumed is similar, many people have suddenly gained weight due to reduced outdoor activities and lack of exercise. This is a lifestyle pattern brought about by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

People have increasingly refrained from going out and often rely on delivery apps for meals. There have also been unavoidable cases where exercise was not possible due to social distancing measures and vaccine pass requirements at indoor sports facilities.

As we pass the solar term Soseol (小雪) and enter full winter, the cold weather further reduces activity levels, making it easy to become a ‘hwakjjinja’ (suddenly gained weight person).

‘Hwakjjinja’ is a newly coined term referring to people who have rapidly gained weight in a short period due to increased time spent indoors and decreased outdoor activities caused by concerns about COVID-19 infection.

When the weather gets colder, metabolic functions decline, concentration decreases, and fatigue is easily felt, naturally reducing activity levels.

For men, physical activity decreases by about 51 minutes, equivalent to approximately 121 kcal, and for women, it decreases by about 16 minutes, equivalent to around 70 kcal.

With frequent year-end gatherings and dinners, a preference for warm and fatty foods, and reduced daylight hours, daytime activity further decreases.

Recently, with the easing of restrictions on the number of people and business hours, eating time is expected to increase more than activity time, so caution is needed in managing weight and obesity.

According to the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity, a survey on ‘National Weight Management Status and Obesity Awareness in the COVID-19 Era’ found that 4 out of 10 people have gained more than 3 kg compared to before COVID-19.

By age group, the order is people in their 30s, 40s, and 20s, and by gender, 42% of men and 51% of women reported weight gain after COVID-19.

Obesity does not simply mean having a high body weight but refers to a state where fat is accumulated more than normal levels.

It is mostly caused by a combination of age, lifestyle habits, and eating habits, and can lead to diseases such as hypertension, fatty liver, dyslipidemia, and coronary artery disease, so it must be managed properly.

It is necessary to correct eating and lifestyle habits and gradually increase physical activity suitable for oneself, and it is best to manage systematically with the help of medical professionals.

To prevent obesity in winter, it is important to do warm-up exercises at least twice as much to raise body temperature and loosen muscles.

Avoid exercising in the early morning or evening when temperatures drop, and for the elderly or those with underlying conditions, indoor exercise is recommended.

When exercising indoors, frequent ventilation is necessary to prevent COVID-19 infection.

If there are no special health problems, except during cold waves, it is better to wear cold-weather gear such as hats, gloves, and scarves to maintain body temperature and engage in outdoor activities like walking whenever possible.

To lose weight, calorie intake must be reduced, but essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that maintain and regulate bodily functions should be consumed evenly without deficiency.

It is advisable to avoid foods high in fat and consume plenty of foods rich in dietary fiber, such as vegetables and fruits, which provide a feeling of fullness.

Hwang Hyerim, a family medicine specialist at Daedong Hospital, warned, “The second winter since the COVID-19 outbreak has arrived. If you neglect exercise due to infection prevention and cold weather, body fat will accumulate and may lead to disease.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.