Lifestyle Changes Related to Eating Habits, Physical Activity, and Weight Status During COVID-19 Quarantine in Italy and Some European Countries

Novel human coronavirus disease (COVID-19), an infectious respiratory disease, has affected more than 50 million people around the world up to November 2020, thereby becoming the fifth documented pandemic since the Spanish flu in 1918. SARS-CoV-2 virus originated in China and evolved for 4 months within the country before becoming a global threat. There is currently no drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for which efficacy on the virus has been proved. Therefore, the only strategy against this virus is to apply measures that are capable of reducing its spread, such as isolation and quarantine, social distancing, community-wide containment, and strict enforcement of hygiene. Quarantine has proved to be effective in combating the spread of the virus; however, it has inevitably led to a radical change in the lives of people. Studies have been conducted in Italy and some European countries to highlight the role that quarantine has played in determining the lifestyle changes both in eating habits and physical activity and their possible correlation with increase in weight. The selection criteria involved answering a questionnaire that included information on the weight status and at least one of the other two aspects: changes in eating habits and/or physical activity during the quarantine period. The results obtained indicate, in general, that the negative effect of quarantine was on eating habits and physical activity. This was based on the observation that there has been an increase in food consumption and a reduction in physical activity with a consequent increase in weight.

Download Full-text

Nutritional Behaviors, Vitamin Supplementation and Physical Activity among Polish Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu14020331 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 331

Author(s):

Bogna Gryszczyńska ◽

Magdalena Budzyń ◽

Joanna Grupińska ◽

Magdalena Paulina Kasprzak ◽

Agnieszka Gryszczyńska

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Mass ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Working Women ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

The Self ◽

Vitamin Supplementation ◽

Anonymous Questionnaire ◽

Gender Groups

The COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, including social isolation, movement restrictions and work instability have altered many people’s nutritional behaviors and daily lifestyle. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on selected eating habits, physical activity and daily lifestyle changes of Polish adults (n = 145). The self-designed and anonymous questionnaire was available online from the 1 May 2021 to the 15 May 2021. In general, 60% of respondents declared that the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect their dietary habits, whereas 26% of surveyed individuals answered in the affirmative. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on changing dietary habits was differentiated by age (Pearson’s χ2 = 12.604; p = 0.0134). The number of meals consumed by respondents per day differed across gender groups (Pearson’s χ2 = 9.653; df = 4; p = 0.0466). An increase in body weight during the COVID-19 pandemic was reported by 43% of women and 7.6% of surveyed men. Additionally, hybrid working women declared most often an increase in body mass independent of age, education level and living place. Moreover, the majority of respondents who reported the effect of the pandemic on changing dietary habits also declared more frequent sweets consumption. The study revealed that respondents who stated more frequent sweets consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely associated with an increase in body mass (OR = 6.75, 95% CI, 6.75–91.25). No increase in the consumption of vitamin D, C and Mg supplements and pickled products was found.

Download Full-text

EATING HABITS AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES IN ADOLESCENT DURING COVID-19

INTERNATIONAL REFEREED ACADEMIC JOURNAL OF SPORTS ◽

10.17363/sstb.2020.37.4 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 0 (37) ◽

pp. 0-0

Author(s):

İrem ÇELİKEL ◽

Yahya ÖZDOĞAN

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Preventive Health Services ◽

Secondary Data ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Primary Data ◽

Lifestyle Behaviors ◽

Children And Families ◽

Outdoor Activities ◽

Daily Routines

Aim: This study was prepared to investigate the effects of was taken the prevantion and quarantine practices during COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle changes and eating habits of adolescents. Methods: This review is from primary data; in other words, by collecting secondary data obtained from studies conducted on the effect of COVID-19 on adolescents for the last year. Results: The COVID-19 epidemic which has affected the whole world, has significantly affected children as well as adults. Quarantine process has affected to food access and consumption, outdoor activities, travel, education and access to physical activity. This situation has caused serious reflections on the daily routines and lifestyle behaviors of individuals. It was observed that there were change in physical activity, eating habits, sleep patterns and screen time when the results of the epidemic were evaluated. Therefore, it seems important for young people to consider the effects of the pandemic process and to investigate the changing lifestyle changes. Conclusion: The COVID-19 epidemic which has affected the whole world, has significantly affected children as well as adults. It was thought that it would be effective for dieticians and public health specialists to provide trainings for children and families in adolescence in order to reduce possible side effects and improve preventive health services both during and after the epidemic. Given that much of the current literature currently consists of survey data or comment discussions, further research is needed to examine lifestyle changes with objective measures.

Download Full-text

Positive and Negative Changes in Food Habits, Physical Activity Patterns, and Weight Status during COVID-19 Confinement: Associated Factors in the Chilean Population

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17155431 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (15) ◽

pp. 5431 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Daniela Reyes-Olavarría ◽

Pedro Ángel Latorre-Román ◽

Iris Paola Guzmán-Guzmán ◽

Daniel Jerez-Mayorga ◽

Felipe Caamaño-Navarrete ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Food Habits ◽

Weight Status ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

The Body ◽

Weight Increase ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Body Weight Increase ◽

Active Breaks

The association between the changes in lifestyle during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) confinement and body weight have not been studied deeply. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and physical activity (PA) patterns, caused by confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and to analyze its association with changes in body weight. Seven hundred participants (women, n = 528 and men, n = 172) aged between 18–62 years old of the Chilean national territory participated in the study. Food habits, PA, body weight, and sociodemographic variables were measured through a survey in May and June 2020. The body weight increase presented positive association with the consumption of fried foods ≥ 3 times per week (OR; 3.36, p < 0.001), low water consumption (OR; 1.58, p = 0.03), and sedentary time ≥6 h/day (OR; 1.85, p = 0.01). Conversely, fish consumed (OR; 0.67, p = 0.03), active breaks (OR; 0.72, p = 0.04), and PA ≥ 4 times per week (OR; 0.51, p = 0.001) presented an inverse association with body weight increase. Daily alcohol consumption (OR; 4.77, p = 0.003) was associated with PA decrease. Food habits, PA, and active breaks may be protective factors for weight increase during COVID-19 confinement.

Download Full-text

Diet and Lifestyle Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ibero-American Countries: Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Spain

Frontiers in Nutrition ◽

10.3389/fnut.2021.671004 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Oscar G. Enriquez-Martinez ◽

Marcia C. T. Martins ◽

Taisa S. S. Pereira ◽

Sandaly O. S. Pacheco ◽

Fabio J. Pacheco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Online Survey ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Sleep Time ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Eating Pattern ◽

Diet And Lifestyle

This study aimed to evaluate changes in dietary and lifestyle habits during the period of confinement due to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ibero-American countries. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted with 6,325 participants of both genders (68% women), over 18 years of age and from five countries: Brazil (N = 2,171), Argentina (N = 1,111), Peru (N = 1,174), Mexico (N = 686), and Spain (N = 1,183). Data were collected during the year 2020, between April 01 and June 30 in Spain and between July 13 and September 26, in the other countries studied using a self-administered online survey designed for the assessment of sociodemographic, employment, physical activity, health status, and dietary habits changes. Most participants (61.6%), mainly those from Spain, remained constant, without improving or worsening their pattern of food consumption. Among those who changed, a pattern of better eating choices prevailed (22.7%) in comparison with those who changed toward less healthy choices (15.7%). Argentina and Brazil showed the highest proportion of changes toward a healthier pattern of food consumption. Peruvians and Mexicans were less likely to make healthy changes in food consumption (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.4–0.6 and OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.4–0.8, respectively), when compared to Argentinians. Most respondents did not change their pattern of meal consumption, but those who did reduced their consumption of main meals and increased intake of small meals and snacks. Although most participants affirmed to be doing physical activity at home, about one-half reported perception of weight gain. Individuals with alterations in sleep pattern (either by increasing or decreasing sleep time) were more likely to change their diets to a healthier pattern. In contrast, individuals with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and those who reported feeling anxious were more likely to perform changes to a less healthy eating pattern (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.2–2.3 and OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.1–1.4, respectively). In conclusion, although most participants remained constant in their eating habits, lifestyle changes and anxiety feelings were reported. Among those who changed patterns of food consumption, healthier choices prevailed, with differences between countries. However, there were alterations in the distribution of meals, with higher consumption of snacks and small meals. These results can be used to guide policies to prevent deleterious consequences that may affect the incidence of chronic diseases.

Download Full-text

Assessment of Dietary Habits and Physical Activity Changes during the Full COVID-19 Curfew Period and Its Effect on Weight among Adults in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18168580 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (16) ◽

pp. 8580

Author(s):

Nisreen M. Abdulsalam ◽

Najla A. Khateeb ◽

Sarah S. Aljerbi ◽

Waad M. Alqumayzi ◽

Shaima S. Balubaid ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Weight Status ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Public Awareness ◽

World Health ◽

Age Group ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Significant Difference

The World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic in March 2020. Global efforts have been made to prevent the disease from spreading through political decisions and personal behaviors, all of which rely on public awareness. The aim of our study was to examine the effect of dietary habits on weight and physical activity (PA) during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was distributed using social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp) and email communication. A total of 472 adults (age range, 18–59 years), over half of the study population (68.0%) being females, 55.5% being between 19 and 29 years old, 15.0%—between 30 and 39 years old, and 11.2%—older than 50 years old, participated in the study. Our results indicated that the overall body weight was slightly increased among the 50+ age group (47.2%, p > 0.05), but it highly increased among the 30–39-years-old age group (32.4%, p > 0.05) as compared to before the pandemic lockdown period. Therefore, our results show that a significant difference (p < 0.05) was found for all the assessments: weight status, physical activity patterns, hours spent on screen time, homemade meals, and changes in dietary habits before and during the full COVID-19 curfew period. This study demonstrated that changes in eating habits were commonly reported among the participants who represented the full COVID-19 curfew period and that changes in eating habits and decreased physical activity led to weight gain.

Download Full-text

Eating behavior and physical activity of senior citizens during the COVID-19 lockdown

International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS) ◽

10.11591/ijphs.v10i3.20827 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 493

Author(s):

Denson Mariano Liday ◽

Mary Rose C. Liwag

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Eating Behavior ◽

Low Income ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Senior Citizens ◽

The Elderly ◽

Major Effect ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Health Promotion Programs ◽

Physical Activty

A new coronavirus has arisen, causing a pandemic of serious respiratory syndrome in humans. The COVID-19 pandemic has a major effect on human health, resulting in abrupt lifestyle changes, social distances and loneliness at home. The goal of this study was to examine the immediate effect of the pandemic on eating behavior and physical activity among the elderly population aged 60 years and older. Data on the features of the senior citizens' profile, eating habits and physical activity during the lock-up were evaluated and analyzed in this report. In addition, the correlation, key and interaction effects of some of the essential variables in the analysis were also evaluated. The findings of the study revealed a need to promote eating habits that may help to minimize the health inequalities created by eating disorders. Moreover, the synergies between the various determinants of eating habits were found to be deficient. Home restrictions and confinement of the participants also reduced the overall physical activty level of the participants. Income class appeared as a factor on the interaction between eating behavior and physical activity. Recognizing these findings may be significant in developing health promotion programs for older people during the remaining period of quarantine or future ones. There is a need for health education as a response scheme to COVID-19 in low-income settings, and it is essential that approaches are contextually suitable with the vulnerable age group.

Download Full-text

Eating habits and lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 lockdown: A comparative study (before and during isolation) on the 9 de Julio city (Buenos Aires, Argentina) population

Archive of Food and Nutritional Science ◽

10.29328/journal.afns.1001023 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 020-024

Author(s):

Sosa Miriam ◽

Cardinal Paula ◽

Elizagoyen Eliana ◽

Rodríguez Graciela ◽

Arce Soledad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Positive Emotions ◽

Buenos Aires ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Sociodemographic Data ◽

The Social ◽

Containment Measures ◽

Nutritional Aspect ◽

At Home

Following the COVID-19 proliferation beyond China’s borders at the beginning of 2020, containment measures have been taken by different countries around the globe. Citizens were forced to stay at home. Specifically, on March 19th, the Argentine Government decided to implement the “Social, preventive and mandatory isolation”, strategy that unfortunately impacts on the lifestyle, the practise of physical activity and on the nutritional aspect of the population. The aim of this study was analize eating habits and lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 lockdown on the 9 de Julio city, Bs. As., Argentina. The survey was conducted using Google Form. The questionnaire was divided into different sections: sociodemographic data, eating habits, physical activity and concepts and emotions associated with isolation. The research reached 287 responses with a medium socioeconomic level. During isolation, the frequency of purchases decreased. It was observed an increase in the consumption of pasta, bread and cakes. Concerning the physical activity, approximately 70% declared to train before the COVID-19 lockdown, decreased by 13% during the lockdown. Other activities conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown; the most mentioned were cleaning the house, cooking, watching television, series and movies. A percentage greater than 50% of the surveyed population associated the situation of lockdown with positive emotions (share with my family, stay at home); while only 24% associate it with negative emotions (anxiety, anguish, fear). It is expected that most habits will return to normal, however, it would be interesting to know which of those developed, adopted and implemented during lockdown will remain in the new normality.

Download Full-text

Physical Activity Interventions in Schools for Improving Lifestyle in European Countries

Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health ◽

10.2174/1745017901511010077 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 77-101 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

Gioia Mura ◽

Nuno B.F Rocha ◽

Ingo Helmich ◽

Henning Budde ◽

Sergio Machado ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

European Countries ◽

Cardiovascular Risks ◽

Physical Activity Interventions ◽

School Based ◽

Unhealthy Eating ◽

Obesity And Overweight ◽

Multicomponent Interventions

Background : In the last decades, children’s and adolescents’ obesity and overweight have increased in European Countries. Unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyle have been recognized to determine such an epidemic. Schools represent an ideal setting to modify harmful behaviors, and physical activity could be regarded as a potential way to avoid the metabolic risks related to obesity. Methods : A systematic review of the literature was carried out to summarize the evidence of school-based interventions aimed to promote, enhance and implement physical activity in European schools. Only randomized controlled trials were included, carried out in Europe from January 2000 to April 2014, universally delivered and targeting pupils aged between 3 and 18 years old. Results : Forty-seven studies were retrieved based either on multicomponent interventions or solely physical activity programs. Most aimed to prevent obesity and cardiovascular risks among youths. While few studies showed a decrease in BMI, positive results were achieved on other outcomes, such as metabolic parameters and physical fitness. Conclusion : Physical activity in schools should be regarded as a simple, non-expensive and enjoyable way to reach all the children and adolescents with adequate doses of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Download Full-text