Anxiety and Weight Gain Running High in California During COVID-19

There's been a general sense that Americans are feeling more anxious and gaining more weight during the COVID-19 era. Based on a recent survey conducted by Lindora, a leading expert in the weight loss and wellness field, it appears that Southern Californians are carrying more stress and tipping the scales at numbers higher than usual.

The survey looked to gauge the overall well-being of Southern Californians since mid-March, when the state of California first put Stay at Home orders in place.

"We found that the majority of people we surveyed had put on weight since COVID-19 hit, when people were forced to quarantine at home," said Dr. Amy Lee, Lindora's Chief Medical Officer.

Of those surveyed, nearly 60% said they had gained weight since mid-March. The average weight gained was between 5 and 9 pounds, but nearly 30% of respondents said they had gained between 10 and 20 pounds (or more) during the short, seven-month period.

Respondents were also asked about their anxiety levels, which can often lead to poor eating habits and excess weight gain. More than 60% of survey respondents said that they have been experiencing higher than usual levels of anxiety and stress.

The survey also found that more than 50% of respondents were exercising less than they were prior to the onset of COVID-19.

"The results of the survey align with what we're seeing in our clinics," said Will Righeimer, Lindora's CEO. "People are struggling to stay healthy right now. We're seeing an increasingly high number of in-person visits since the start of COVID-19, over 400,000, by new and existing patients who are in need of counseling, products and services in order to stay healthy and get back on track."

Lindora is an essential health care operation and licensed with the California Medical Board, and treats weight loss patients who are often at higher risk for disease, including those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. All of the company's clinics have remained open since the very beginning of the pandemic, while traditional, non-medical weight loss or fitness companies were forced to close their doors or file bankruptcy.

Respondents of the survey also indicated that getting personal help and attention during this time is important for their journey back to good health. 62% percent of those surveyed said that they felt they would be more successful on a weight loss program if they had day-to-day, in-person accountability. Righeimer pointed out that particular finding was principal. "Most new patients that come to Lindora have tried other programs and failed - mostly because they didn't have that in-person support and accountability ? and that's exactly what Lindora provides," he said.

The Lindora survey comes at a time when there is a growing concern among the medical community regarding obesity and COVID-19. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), people who are determined to be obese are at greater risk for complications from COVID-19.

Obesity designations are typically determined by using the Body Mass Index, or BMI. A person is classified as obese if they have a BMI of 30 or more.

Through its 34 medically supervised clinics located in Southern California, Lindora has been treating overweight and obese patients since 1971. Patients work closely with a medical staff to understand the reasons behind their condition and learn strategies on how to stay healthy, lose the weight and keep it off. The company also offers nutritional meals, snacks, supplements, vitamin injections and prescription medications to aid in weight loss and to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.

"Lindora's ketogenic weight loss program has a reputation for being an effective way to lose weight and reduce BMI. Many of our patients not only lose a great deal of weight, but they are also able to reduce their risk of heart disease, diabetes and dependencies on various medications," said Dr. Lee.

In an analysis conducted by Habits at Work, a third-party health care value assessment organization, researchers found that 67% of Lindora patients that were deemed at high risk for diabetes prior to participating in the Lindora program were able to reduce HbA1C levels and move into lower risk categories after completing the program.

Dr. Lee underscored the importance of the survey findings by saying, "Now more than ever, we have to make our health our number one priority. We're aiming to do our part at Lindora by helping as many people as we can to lose weight and help them live healthier lives."

About Lindora

Founded in 1971, Lindora is one of the largest, medically supervised weight loss, wellness and consumer products company in the United States. The nationally recognized brand has helped hundreds of thousands of people lose weight and live happier, healthier lives. Lindora's medically supervised, ketogenic weight management and wellness programs teach patients how to lose weight rapidly and keep it off by eating better, exercising more and managing stress more effectively. Lindora's unique approach to treating the whole person over the long term includes education on both the physical and psychological aspects of weight management and wellness. Lindora operates 34 clinic locations in Southern California. Lindora's mission is to transform people's lives through weight loss and wellness. The company is primarily owned by Solis Capital Partners and Innovate Partners. For additional information about Lindora, visit lindora.com.