The COVID-19 pandemic had a more damaging effect on women’s mental and physical health compared to men’s, according to a large-scale study led by the University of Aberdeen. The findings suggest that women’s health behaviours and emotional well-being deteriorated more sharply and have been slower to recover even years after the initial lockdowns.
The study, published in Social Science & Medicine, examined health-related data from January 2015 to March 2023 using Understanding Society, a UK-wide longitudinal survey. The researchers compared habits and mental health indicators before and after the pandemic, focusing on gender differences.
Lasting Disruptions in Diet, Alcohol Use, and Mental Well-Being
The study tracked a range of health behaviours—including fruit and vegetable consumption, alcohol use, and physical activity—alongside mental health trends. It found that women, on average, consumed fruit less frequently during the pandemic and made smaller reductions in alcohol intake than men.
Both women and men experienced a rise in psychological distress during the pandemic, but the increase was greater for women. Notably, the protective link between healthy lifestyle choices and improved mental health—which was stronger for women before the pandemic—appeared to weaken during the crisis.
In contrast, men maintained a more stable relationship between lifestyle habits and mental well-being throughout the same period. For them, healthy behaviours continued to offer emotional benefits, even during lockdowns and ongoing public health restrictions.
Expert Insights on Gendered Impacts
Lead author Professor Paul McNamee from the University of Aberdeen said:
“We found that women reported poorer overall changes in health behaviours than men during the pandemic. Psychological distress increased for both sexes, but especially for women.”
Dr Karen Arulsamy of Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore added that these changes were long-lasting:
“The adverse changes in women’s health behaviours compared to men persist through to May 2023, suggesting longer-term effects likely worsened by financial pressures.”
Dr Silvia Mendolia of the University of Turin emphasized the emotional disconnect:
“Before the pandemic, a healthy lifestyle was closely linked to better mental health for women. But during the pandemic, this connection faded, highlighting a concerning shift.”
Women in Stressful Roles Face Greater Health Risks
The study highlights that women—especially those from lower socio-economic backgrounds or with caregiving responsibilities—struggled more to maintain healthy habits during the pandemic. These added stressors may have disrupted routines such as meal planning, exercise, and social interaction, all of which are linked to better mental health.
Professor McNamee stressed the importance of targeted interventions:
“Women facing caregiving burdens and financial strain are at higher risk of poor health behaviours during crises. Programmes like social prescribing, offered through primary care and voluntary organisations, could help address these gaps.”
Funding and Policy Relevance
The research was funded by the Scottish Government’s Rural & Environmental Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) Strategic Research Programme 2022–27. Additional support came from the University of Aberdeen and the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government’s Health & Social Care Directorates.
Though the study focused on the pandemic period, researchers believe its implications remain highly relevant. As public health systems work to build resilience post-COVID, tailored support for women—especially those balancing caregiving and financial stress—will be crucial to restoring equitable health outcomes.
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