The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overweight and obesity: the case of NEET in Türkiye

Abstract

The study aims to investigate how COVID-19 pandemic affects the probability of being overweight or obese in the case of NEET in Türkiye. This study delves into the comprehensive dataset provided by the Turkish Health Research Surveys from 2014 to 2022. The primary focus is on individuals aged 15–29, with a specific exploration of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on health conditions. The investigation centers on deciphering the intricate connections between NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) status, pandemic ramifications, and the likelihood of being overweight or obese. Leveraging probit models and meticulous control for variables such as age, gender, regional fixed effects, and completed education levels, our findings indicate significant associations. Notably, the NEET subgroup demonstrates a 5.8% increase in the probability of being obese or overweight. We find suggestive evidence that the pandemic contributes to a marginal increase of 1.2%. A particularly intriguing revelation surfaces as being NEET significantly amplifies the likelihood of overweight or obesity in young females. Education plays a vital role in preventing overweight or obesity, as higher education levels correlate with a lower likelihood of obesity. Moreover, we analyze different age groups, our results show that being NEET is positively associated with the probability of overweight or obesity for females aged 19–24 and 25–29 in the post-pandemic period, indicating higher sensitivity to the pandemic among NEET females. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.