Gaining "The Quarantine 15:" Perceived versus observed weight changes in college students in the wake of COVID-19.

Objective: Amidst restrictions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, jokes have surfaced regarding weight gain during the pandemic. The current study documents perceived changes since COVID-19 and compares these to observed longitudinal changes in reported weight, BMI, and how college students described their weight from January to April 2020.

Method: Undergraduates (N = 90; 88% female) completed on-line assessments before and after students were required to leave campus due to COVID-19.