Two Years of COVID-19... How to Deal with Aftereffects Like 'Depression' and 'Weight Gain'

One in Five Koreans Feels 'Depression' Amid Prolonged COVID-19
"Increase in Delivery Food, Decrease in Physical Activity" 'Obesity Prevalence' Rises Across All Ages
Experts Advise "Expand Social Contact, Build Social Bonds"

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the prevalence of obesity has increased across all age groups since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] As the COVID-19 pandemic prolongs, there are increasing cases of people suffering from aftereffects in both physical and mental health. With social distancing continuing into its second year, many are struggling not only with feelings of depression but also with weight gain due to reduced outdoor activities.

Kim, a woman in her 30s working in an office, experienced sleep disorders last year due to stress and anxiety, and took sleeping pills. Because she couldn’t sleep well, she was always tired at work and felt unable to do anything even after leaving the office. She said, "Even though I work from home, I don’t really feel like I have more leisure time. My sense of belonging at work and the satisfaction from doing my job well have decreased," adding, "There are many times when I feel anxious for no reason, and although I am getting through each day, I don’t feel hope or expectation that things will get better in the future."

As social distancing measures have continued for over two years due to COVID-19 prevention efforts, a survey found that one in five citizens feels depressed. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s '2021 COVID-19 National Mental Health Survey' of 2,063 adults, the proportion of people at risk of depression in the fourth quarter of last year (December) was 18.9%. This is a 3.9 percentage point decrease from the highest rate recorded in the first quarter of last year (March) at 22.8%, but a 0.4 percentage point increase compared to the third quarter (September) at 18.5%.

The depression score (out of 27 points) in December last year was 5.0, showing little improvement compared to 5.0 in the second quarter (June) and 5.1 in September. Compared to pre-COVID-19 levels in 2019 (depression risk group 3.2%, depression score 2.1), the levels remain very high. The rate of suicidal thoughts was 13.6%, a 40% increase compared to March 2020 (9.7%), the early stage of the pandemic. The Ministry of Health and Welfare diagnosed that the prolonged COVID-19 situation and continued social distancing appear to be preventing improvements in the nation’s mental health.

As social distancing has continued for over two years, cases of people complaining of depression are increasing.
Photo by Yonhap News

The impact of COVID-19 has affected not only mental but also physical health. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s 'National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey,' the obesity prevalence rate increased across all age groups in 2020 compared to before the pandemic in 2019.

The obesity prevalence rate among men rose to 48.0%, up 6.2 percentage points from 41.8% in 2019. During the same period, the rate among women increased from 25.0% to 27.7%, a 2.7 percentage point rise. In particular, the obesity prevalence rate among men in their 30s surged dramatically to 58.2%, up 11.8 percentage points from 46.4% in 2019. The main causes are considered to be reduced physical activity due to social distancing and changes in daily eating habits such as ordering delivery food.

Kang, a 30-year-old male office worker, said, "Since COVID-19, I have often ordered delivery food for lunch or dinner, and after having light drinks alone after work, I gained about 5 kg. I realized I couldn’t continue like this, so recently I set a limit of ordering delivery food only five times a month and have been sticking to it. I also go running in the evenings."

Obesity is commonly called the "root of all diseases." It can cause various complications such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, vascular diseases, depression, and reduced reproductive ability, so consistent management is necessary. However, caution is needed because excessive exercise or taking appetite suppressants without proper preparation for weight loss can cause side effects.

Experts recommend forming social bonds through moderate outdoor activities and maintaining regular exercise. Professor Lee Dong-gwi of Yonsei University’s Department of Psychology said, "Since COVID-19, many people have experienced feelings of loss and helplessness due to restricted activity ranges, and this stress can easily lead to depression. To relieve this, some people overeat or, conversely, eat too little. However, these habits can worsen health and cause depression and sleep disorders, so they should be avoided."

He added, "Exercise and hobbies can help, but above all, experiencing social bonds is important for overcoming depression. Expanding contact with friends who can share your inner thoughts and difficulties, participating in community or small group activities, or using professional counseling services are all good options."

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