Determinants of acute weight gain during regional conflict among individuals with overweight and obesity receiving targeted multidisciplinary care

PURPOSE: People living with obesity are susceptible to weight gain during periods of extreme stress. Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial in regions affected by frequent conflict. METHODS: We therefore sent a survey to patients followed in a weight management clinic shortly after the 2023 onset of the Israel-Hamas war. RESULTS: (IQR 29.8-39.0), and 67.6% were taking anti-obesity medications (AOMs). Roughly two-thirds reported reduced sleep quality and increased stress or anxiety. Approximately half reported both reduced exercise and more anxiety-driven eating, whereas roughly 40% reported consuming more sweets or snacks, and these behaviors were associated with significant weight gain, experienced by 25.4% of respondents. According to multivariate analysis, anxiety-driven eating and less exercise were associated with weight gain (OR 4.48, p < 0.001 and OR = 2.50, p = 0.020, respectively), whereas AOMs were protective (OR = 0.39, p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Given that one quarter of subjects with overweight or obesity reported significant weight gain within two months of the outbreak of war, and that we identified modifiable risk factors, emphasis must be placed on maintaining healthy exercise and eating behaviors with consideration of AOMs. Level of evidence IV- cross-sectional retrospective study.