The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the number of people who abuse psychoactive substances.

It also led to a greater prevalence of mental health and weight-related behavior issues among obese people, said US scientists.

As part of the study, published on Clinical Obesity, scientists examined 589 obese patients. Almost half of the group reported using recreational drugs and alcohol, and 10% reported an increase in their use since the start of the pandemic. A total of 17 patients tested positive for COVID-19.

24.3% of patients reported using opioids in the 30 days preceding the survey, 9.5% used sedatives or tranquilizers, 3.6% - marijuana, 1% - stimulants.

All of these patients were interviewed from June 1 to September 30, 2020, after self-isolation was lifted in North Texas.