Infographic: Undesired weight change and increase in stress drinking

This infographic from APA’s Stress in America^TM Survey report for March 2022, the second pandemic survey report, shows data regarding weight changes and changes in alcohol use during the pandemic.

The data breakdown by weight change and alcohol use are as follows:

Weight

Fifty-eight percent report that they have experienced undesired weight changes, with gains of an average of 26 pounds and with a median of 15 pounds. Losses were an average of 27 pounds, with a median of 15 pounds.

Alcohol use

Twenty-three percent have been drinking more alcohol during the pandemic to cope with stress. The survey report notes that of drinks among adults who reported they have been drinking more alcohol to cope with stress during the pandemic, the average was 10 drinks (median six drinks) per week. Men averaged 12 drinks (median seven drinks) per week. Women averaged eight drinks (median five drinks) per week.