WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new study shows many people have added to their waistline during the past year.
The phrase “quarantine 15” started circulating when shelter-in-place orders were put into effect at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, Americans, on average, gained nearly two pounds a month during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers looked at weight measurements for about 300 participants over a four-month period, from Feb. 1 to June 1, 2020.
On average, participants gained 0.6 pounds every 10 days, which is equal to around 1.8 pounds a month.
The authors of the study say measurements came from Bluetooth-connected smart scales, which limited the overall sample size.
There has been a connection between excess weight and a greater risk of developing more a severe case of COVID-19.
Health officials say obesity can also increase risks of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.
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