In April, millions had an Ah-Ha moment when they read an incredibly insightful article (1) introducing the term Languishing into the lockdown lexicon. The term describes that deep feeling of indifference that isn’t quite depression but is still far from feeling ok. Instead, it’s that blah feeling when you can’t muster the desire to do anything but scroll on your phone for hours.
This feeling of apathy significantly contributes to the global weight gain problem during the pandemic. Millions of people can’t find the will to work out or care about making good eating choices.
“The mass weight gain has been called the Quarantine 15. It’s a funny name, but it’s no laughing matter for the people that have gained this weight,” said Dr. Stephen Mulholland, owner of Toronto Plastic Surgeons.
“Liposuction consultations are up in a big way across North America. We’ve talked to countless people who have gained weight during the lockdown and can’t lose it. This makes people feel worse about themselves, and they could spiral emotionally.”
Also Read – Body Lift: Procedure, Types, Side Effects, And Costs
The Quarantine Fifteen and Zero Energy
The pandemic lockdown has been a perfect weight gain storm for far too many people. Gyms have been closed. Routines have been destroyed. Diets have been reduced to “whatever is the easiest.” This is why over 60% of surveyed Americans have gained weight during the lockdown. (2)
But this weight gain goes well beyond the inability to work out or the unavailability of healthy food. Countless people have ditched their gym membership and bought a Peloton Bike. They have the best intentions of working out, but the desire isn’t there most nights.
Is it laziness? No, it’s languishing, and it’s not your fault. Dr. Adam Grant wrote, “Languishing dulls your motivation, disrupts your ability to focus, and triples the odds that you’ll cut back on work.”
Languishing means it takes all the energy in your tank to get through your workday, run your errands, and ensure the kids are fed and doing their homework. But then, you look at the Peloton sitting in the corner and have nothing left in the tank. “Not tonight,” you say.
“Maybe I’ll have an espresso tomorrow after supper and try again.” But tomorrow comes, and you still don’t have the energy or the desire to work out. And you don’t care. It’s not your fault, and you’re not alone.
Self-medicating isn’t Helping
Dealing with new stress levels and not having to go into the office tomorrow has impeded some people from indulging in more cocktails than average. A startling study revealed that binge drinking (defined as having 5+ more drinks for men or 4+ more drinks for women) is definitely on the rise during the pandemic. This is particularly prevalent among women, as the numbers have increased by 41%. (3)
At the same time, a survey asked people to indicate a Yes or No answer to 15 questions that included: (4)
- I have felt guilty or ashamed because of my drinking
- I have taken foolish risks when I have been drinking
- My drinking has hurt my family
Between 2019 and 2020, the number of Yes answers increased among men, while the number of Yes answers among women doubled.
Both binge drinking and casual drinking can lead to weight gain in several ways. First, are 340 calories in 4 glasses of red wine and 1,000 calories in 5 IPA beers. At the same time, the hangover the next day can leave you feeling too tired and too lazy to work off the calories. And then, of course, there is the evening snacking that is far too easy to justify when you’ve had a few.
Also Read – Body-Jet Liposuction: Procedure, Benefits, Risks, And Costs
What Can Be Done?
Putting a name on this feeling is a great start. Just saying, “Languishing. Yes, that’s exactly how I feel,” can be instantly helpful. It’s good to know that you don’t have to be clinically depressed to be struggling daily during the pandemic. It also helps you describe your experience to friends and family members who could easily have the lightbulb moment when you talk about it.
Be kind to yourself. Don’t feel guilty about wondering if you should get liposuction to get your pre-COVID body back. Roughly half of the locked-down world is open to their first-ever plastic surgery (5). You deserve it if it will help you feel better about yourself and remove significant worry.
Meanwhile, our society’s recent focus on mental health and the need for self-care has never been more critical than it is right now. You need to schedule time for yourself and view that time as sacred. Friends, families, and bosses may seemingly do their best to steal this time. You need to expect that and learn how to say a loving No.
Summary
The “Quarantine 15” pandemic-induced phenomenon has led to widespread weight gain, with over 60% of Americans surveyed experiencing it. The pandemic’s impact on routines, gyms closing, and disrupted diets has contributed to this issue. Dr. Adam Grant identifies a state called “languishing,” which affects motivation and focus and makes it challenging to engage in healthy habits. Increased alcohol consumption, especially binge drinking, has become prevalent, further contributing to weight gain. Mental health awareness is crucial, and individuals are considering procedures like liposuction to address pandemic-related weight concerns. Self-care, kindness, and creating sacred time for oneself are emphasized for overall well-being.
References:
- “There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing” – nytimes.com
- “42% of Americans Say They Gained Weight During the Pandemic” – healthline.com
- “Alcohol Consumption Rises Sharply During Pandemic Shutdown; Heavy Drinking by Women Rises 41%” – rand.org
- “Alcohol consumption rising sharply during a pandemic, especially among women” – abcnews.go.com
- “American Society of Plastic Surgeons Releases New Guidance for Resuming Elective Procedures Amid COVID-19” – plasticsurgery.org
