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A Systematic Review of the Impact of the First Year of COVID-19 on Obesity Risk Factors: A Pandemic Fueling a Pandemic?
Daniels, NF, Burrin, C, Chan, T, Fusco, F
Current developments in nutrition. 2022;6(4):nzac011
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the most serious infectious disease outbreaks in recent history. Among the factors that can increase the risk of obesity, some seem to play a more prominent role than others such as depression, emotional eating, sedentary lifestyle and the socioeconomic status. The aim of this study was to explore the indirect effects of the first year of COVID-19 on obesity and its risk factors. This study is a systematic review of 87 studies with over 350,000 participants. Results show that: - overall, there was a general trend of weight gain during the pandemic. - there were differences in dietary changes, with some studies showing an improvement in diet. - some beneficial effects were observed in the dieting domain, such as higher consumption of home-cooked meals and healthy food (e.g., vegetables). However, there was an increasing trend in the overall food and alcohol consumption. - financial hardship and job loss were unavoidable consequences of the pandemic lockdown. However, although the impact of the countermeasures used to curb the COVID-19 pandemic was evident on obesity risk factors, none of the studies included in the research explored the direct impact of the risk factors on obesity itself. Authors conclude by pointing out the need for future research that aims at strengthening the link between stressful circumstances and a rise in risk factors for obesity and weight gain.
Abstract
Obesity is increasingly prevalent worldwide. Associated risk factors, including depression, socioeconomic stress, poor diet, and lack of physical activity, have all been impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This systematic review aims to explore the indirect effects of the first year of COVID-19 on obesity and its risk factors. A literature search of PubMed and EMBASE was performed from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 to identify relevant studies pertaining to the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (PROSPERO; CRD42020219433). All English-language studies on weight change and key obesity risk factors (psychosocial and socioeconomic health) during the COVID-19 pandemic were considered for inclusion. Of 805 full-text articles that were reviewed, 87 were included for analysis. The included studies observed increased food and alcohol consumption, increased sedentary time, worsening depressive symptoms, and increased financial stress. Overall, these results suggest that COVID-19 has exacerbated the current risk factors for obesity and is likely to worsen obesity rates in the near future. Future studies, and policy makers, will need to carefully consider their interdependency to develop effective interventions able to mitigate the obesity pandemic.
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Eating in the lockdown during the Covid 19 pandemic; self-reported changes in eating behaviour, and associations with BMI, eating style, coping and health anxiety.
Coulthard, H, Sharps, M, Cunliffe, L, van den Tol, A
Appetite. 2021;161:105082
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The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in national lockdowns, which resulted in isolation within people’s homes. This cross-sectional survey examined changes in eating patterns and behaviour during lockdown. Of the 620 participants included in the study, eating higher energy density foods was more common in females with a higher BMI and higher health anxiety. Although there was a change in emotional eating behaviours across the sample as a whole, it was not in the expected direction, with many participants reporting a decrease in emotional eating after the implementation of lockdown. There were also increases in fruit and vegetable consumption and home prepared foods. Many of these behavioural responses were influenced by pre-lockdown tendencies. Therefore, it is important to consider these when understanding coping strategies during lockdown, and how to support clients as we come out of lockdown.
Expert Review
Conflicts of interest:
None
Take Home Message:
- National lockdowns, as seen during the 2020/21 Covid-19 pandemic, impacted eating behaviour and associations with BMI, eating style and health anxiety.
- Given the new nature of this research, it is not clear what impact confounding factors such as food insecurity had on changing eating behaviours.
- Disproportionate risks were seen in certain demographics and in those shielding due to their heightened risk from Covid-19.
- Retrospective and longitudinal studies to monitor the impact of lockdowns on eating behaviour and health anxiety are needed.
Evidence Category:
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A: Meta-analyses, position-stands, randomized-controlled trials (RCTs)
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B: Systematic reviews including RCTs of limited number
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C: Non-randomized trials, observational studies, narrative reviews
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D: Case-reports, evidence-based clinical findings
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E: Opinion piece, other
Summary Review:
The role of eating behaviours and psychological responses during lockdown has become an area of interest, particularly with the uncertainty of going into future lockdowns. With Covid-19, and individual’s responses to it, being a relatively new research topic, there is not yet enough evidence for longitudinal outcomes of the findings in these studies. It is also difficult to ascertain the influence of confounding variables prior to the national lockdown, such as food insecurity, not accounted for due to the unpredictable start to the pandemic. There has also been disproportionate risks between certain demographics and their Covid-19 risk, therefore further research on the impact of this on health anxiety and subsequent eating behaviours is required. This highlights a wider need for continued research on the topic.
Clinical practice applications:
Those who had problematic eating behaviours and higher BMI pre lockdown will need to be supported with healthier coping practices if subsequent lockdowns occur, to prevent health related anxiety and consumption of high energy density foods. Furthermore, those who were shielding in their homes were also more likely to show an increase in emotional eating post lockdown. Therefore, clients who spent a large amount of lockdown shielding will need additional support, to develop coping strategies to prevent risk of emotional eating and health anxiety.
Considerations for future research:
Both retrospective and longitudinal studies monitoring the impact of eating behaviours and health anxiety pre and post lockdown are needed. This will help further the evidence base of the potential role of Covid-19 related health anxiety on eating patterns, coping strategies and dietary choices.
Abstract
The global coronavirus pandemic (Covid 19) resulted in national lockdowns where individuals were asked to isolate in their homes to stop the spread of the disease. Using a cross-sectional survey, the current paper aimed to examine self-reported changes in eating patterns and behaviour during the lockdown in the UK, and associations with BMI, demographic variables, eating styles, health anxiety, food insecurity and coping strategies. Participants (N = 620) were recruited online through social media advertising. The results showed that there were self-reported changes to food consumption during the lockdown across the sample. Increases in consumption of HED (high energy density) snack foods during the lockdown was associated with sex, pre-lockdown eating behaviour (emotional eating and uncontrolled eating), and Covid-specific health anxiety. Increases in positive eating practices such as eating more home prepared foods, and fruits and vegetables, were associated with adaptive coping strategies. Higher emotional eating (EE) during the lockdown was associated with a higher BMI, higher pre-lockdown EE and maladaptive coping strategies. Maladaptive coping strategies moderated the relationship between BMI and EE during the lockdown. In particular a higher BMI was associated with higher EE during the lockdown if an individual also had higher maladaptive coping strategies. These findings suggest that changes to eating behaviour may be part of a wider style of maladaptive or adaptive coping, particularly in those with a history of EE or uncontrolled eating. Preparing individuals to adopt more adaptive coping strategies during lockdown situations may be crucial to improving health during subsequent the lockdown events.
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The Impact of COVID-19 Stay-At-Home Orders on Health Behaviors in Adults.
Flanagan, EW, Beyl, RA, Fearnbach, SN, Altazan, AD, Martin, CK, Redman, LM
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.). 2021;29(2):438-445
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In response to the global outbreak of COVID-19, a wave of quarantine and stay-at-home mandates were issued to attenuate the rapid worldwide spread. The aim of this study was to quantify changes in habitual dietary behaviours, physical activity, sleep, sedentary behaviours, and mental health before and during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is based on an anonymous survey via paid advertisements on the social media platform Facebook. A total of 7,753 completed the first COVID-19 question and were thus included in the analysis. Results indicate that: - declines in healthful eating behaviours were coincident with reductions in physical activity. These negative behaviours were characteristic of individuals reporting weight gain in response to the pandemic outbreak. - anxiety scores nearly doubled in response to the pandemic and 20% of the sample reported that symptoms were severe enough to interfere with daily routines. - home confinement led to shifts in daily work and household responsibilities which resulted in mental health declines alongside some positive and many negative changes to health behaviours. Authors conclude that with increased cases of weight gain and significant declines to mental health, COVID-19 may impact clinical practice for years to come.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stay-at-home orders in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have forced abrupt changes to daily routines. This study assessed lifestyle changes across different BMI classifications in response to the global pandemic. METHODS The online survey targeting adults was distributed in April 2020 and collected information on dietary behaviors, physical activity, and mental health. All questions were presented as "before" and "since" the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS In total, 7,753 participants were included; 32.2% of the sample were individuals with normal weight, 32.1% had overweight, and 34.0% had obesity. During the pandemic, overall scores for healthy eating increased (P < 0.001), owing to less eating out and increased cooking (P < 0.001). Sedentary leisure behaviors increased, while time spent in physical activity (absolute time and intensity adjusted) declined (P < 0.001). Anxiety scores increased 8.78 ± 0.21 during the pandemic, and the magnitude of increase was significantly greater in people with obesity (P ≤ 0.01). Weight gain was reported in 27.5% of the total sample compared with 33.4% in participants with obesity. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic has produced significant health effects, well beyond the virus itself. Government mandates together with fear of contracting the virus have significantly impacted lifestyle behaviors alongside declines in mental health. These deleterious impacts have disproportionally affected individuals with obesity.
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Increased emotional eating during COVID-19 associated with lockdown, psychological and social distress.
Cecchetto, C, Aiello, M, Gentili, C, Ionta, S, Osimo, SA
Appetite. 2021;160:105122
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After China, Italy was the first country in which the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic rapidly spread. As a consequence, a lockdown was imposed in the entire nation to reduce the spread of infections. The main aim of this study was to investigate how the negative emotions raised by the lockdown and the social features that characterised the quality of life during lockdown interacted with individual characteristics to affect the eating behaviour during the lockdown. This study is based on an anonymous online survey which was shared via social media targeting Italian residents or speakers who were 18 years of age or older. A total of 365 participants were considered for this study. Results indicate that: - increased emotional eating was significantly predicted by higher level of anxiety, depression, and partially, by Quality of Life and Quality of the Relationships. - increased binge eating was predicted by higher stress. - higher alexithymia [a broad term to describe problems with feeling emotions] scores were associated by increased emotional eating and higher body mass index scores were associated with both increased emotional eating and binge eating. - emotional eating and binge eating decreased significantly in Phase 2 compared to Phase 1 of the lockdown period. Authors conclude that future policies during lockdown should also take into consideration the emotional toll on individual well-being and should include measures of psychological support.
Abstract
Due to the spread of COVID 2019, the Italian government imposed a lockdown on the national territory. Initially, citizens were required to stay at home and not to mix with others outside of their household (Phase 1); eventually, some of these restrictions were lifted (Phase 2). To investigate the impact of lockdown on emotional and binge eating, an online survey was conducted to compare measures of self-reported physical (BMI), psychological (Alexithymia), affective (anxiety, stress, and depression) and social (income, workload) state during Phase 1 and Phase 2. Data from 365 Italian residents showed that increased emotional eating was predicted by higher depression, anxiety, quality of personal relationships, and quality of life, while the increase of bingeing was predicted by higher stress. Moreover, we showed that higher alexithymia scores were associated by increased emotional eating and higher BMI scores were associated with both increased emotional eating and binge eating. Finally, we found that from Phase 1 to Phase 2 binge and emotional eating decreased. These data provide evidence of the negative effects of isolation and lockdown on emotional wellbeing, and, relatedly, on eating behaviour.
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Evaluation of COVID-19 Disease Awareness and Its Relation to Mental Health, Dietary Habits, and Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study from Pakistan.
Ali, A, Sohaib, M, Iqbal, S, Hayat, K, Khan, AU, Rasool, MF
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene. 2021;104(5):1687-1693
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Dietary factors and healthy eating habits play a crucial role in human health management. The global pandemic of COVID-19 has significantly changed the dietary patterns and eating habits of the people worldwide, particularly in the area affected by this pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of COVID-19 disease and its association with anxiety, depression, dietary habits, and physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted in the Punjab Province of Pakistan. A total of 1956 participants took part in the study. Results indicate that: - only 7.4% of participants had good knowledge about COVID-19. - the physical activity of the participants was affected as 66.9% of the participants had a decrease in physical activity and around 40% of the participants also gained weight. - around 70% of the participants were suffering from anxiety, and 52% were depressed. Authors conclude that their findings can help formulate concrete policy-making for the Pakistani population in terms of public health prospects. Furthermore, mass-level educational programmes should be launched via print and electronic media to enhance public awareness about COVID-19 and to improve dietary behaviour of people.
Abstract
Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has significantly increased the mortality and morbidity rates worldwide. The present study was conducted to assess the general public's awareness of COVID-19 and its association with mental health, dietary habits, and physical activity. A web-based survey was conducted to gather information about demographics, knowledge about COVID-19, dietary habits, mental health, and anthropometry among the general public of Pakistan. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression were used for data analysis. The majority of the participants were suffering from anxiety (71.0%) and depression (52.0%) during the COVID-19 pandemic; 32.4% of participants had poor COVID-19-related knowledge. COVID-19 lockdown reduced the physical activity of 66.9% of participants and increased weight of 38.8% of the survey participants. Demographic variables, including age, gender, ethnicity, education, employment, family type, and geographical location, were significantly associated with knowledge about COVID-19 (P < 0.05). Depression was inversely associated with COVID-19 knowledge (P < 0.05). Healthy changes in dietary habits including decreased consumption of fast foods, soft and cola drinks, fruit drinks, cooked meat (outside the home), sugar, and fats, and were associated with increased knowledge of COVID-19. Vitamin C and immunity-boosting supplement consumption were significantly associated with increased knowledge regarding COVID-19 (< 0.05). Inadequate knowledge about COVID-19 and the presence of anxiety and depression were found among most of the study participants. There is a need to conduct educational seminars to limit the health consequences resulting from COVID-19 lockdown.
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Evaluation of the effects of fear and anxiety on nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey.
Kaya, S, Uzdil, Z, Cakiroğlu, FP
Public health nutrition. 2021;24(2):282-289
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The current treatment for COVID-19 is mainly focused on infection control and effective vaccine therapy because of extensive measures to reduce person-to-person transmission. However, the psychosocial repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have not yet been fully considered. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional attitudes and habits that changed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to fear and anxiety status. The study included 1012 individuals (n=827 female, n=185 male) living in Turkey with an age range between 18 and 65 years. Results indicate: - that 26·7 % of the participants used nutritional supplements in particular vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and zinc. - an inverse association between anxiety, fear and nutrition habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. - differences in shopping preferences, processes applied to foods and vegetables and fruits due to the fear of virus contamination from the surfaces. Authors conclude that continuous surveillance of the psychological consequences for outbreaks should become routine as part of preparedness efforts worldwide.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of fear and anxiety on nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Participants were recruited by an online survey in this cross-sectional study. The questionnaire included general demographic characteristics, level of fear and anxiety, and nutritional habits. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 test (GAD-7) were used to determine fear and anxiety. SETTING Turkey. PARTICIPANTS A total sample consisted of 1012 adults. RESULTS In pandemic, fear and anxiety caused individuals to skip breakfast and snacks less, but more at lunch. A positive significant correlation was observed between the increased consumption of yoghurt, cheese and water and FCV-19S scores. There was a positive significant correlation between cheese, legume, nuts-seeds, cake-cookies, dessert and tea consumption and GAD-7 scores. A 1-unit increase in FCV-19S scores affected 1·04 times of increased consumption of yoghurt, kefir, cheese, nuts-seeds, fruit (dry) and rice-pasta. A 1-unit increase in GAD-7 scores affected 1·03 times of increased consumption of egg and fruit (fresh); 1·04 times of increased consumption of cheese and other vegetables; 1·05 times of increased consumption of milk, meat, poultry, fish, legume, nuts-seeds, fruit (dry), cake-cookies and tea; 1·07 times of increased consumption of rice-pasta and coffee and 1·08 times of increased consumption of bread and dessert. CONCLUSIONS In pandemic, anxiety and fear led to changes in individuals' nutritional habits and food preferences. Continuous surveillance of psychological consequences for outbreaks should become routine as part of preparedness efforts worldwide. In addition, the effects of these psychological problems on nutrition should be evaluated.
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Mental health problems among Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19: The importance of nutrition and physical activity.
Chi, X, Liang, K, Chen, ST, Huang, Q, Huang, L, Yu, Q, Jiao, C, Guo, T, Stubbs, B, Hossain, MM, et al
International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP. 2021;21(3):100218
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Recent research has showed that the prevalence of insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese middle school students was 21.90%, 43.70% and 37.40%, respectively, during the COVID-19 period. The aims of this study were: (1) to explore the prevalence of insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19 outbreak; (2) to investigate associations of socio-demographic factors and COVID-fear with insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms; (3) to investigate associations of nutrition and physical activity with insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms after adjusting socio-demographic factors and COVID-fear. This study included 1,794 students (males n= 56.20% and females n= 43.80%) aged 15 and 18 years. Results indicate that prevalence of insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms was high in the participating cohort. The highest prevalence was among female participants, left behind children and students with higher COVID-fear. Both better nutritional status, moderately and highly active physical activity levels were protective factors for depression and anxiety, while highly active physical activity level was significantly associated with lower level of insomnia symptoms. Authors conclude by emphasising on the important role of psychology counsellors in schools, health authorities and educators to carry out early psychological interventions.
Abstract
Mental health problems are common among adolescents and greatly influenced by stressful events. This study sought to assess the prevalence and correlates of insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19. METHOD Cross-sectional study (N = 1,794 adolescents, mean age = 15.26) was conducted in May 2020. An online survey was used to collect socio-demographic data, COVID-related fear (COVID-fear), nutrition, physical activity (PA) level and the symptoms of insomnia, depression and anxiety. RESULTS The prevalence of insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms was 37.80%, 48.20% and 36.70%, respectively, among Chinese adolescents during the pandemic. Generalized linear models revealed that female, left behind children, and students with greater COVID-fear tended to report symptoms of insomnia, depression and anxiety concurrently. After adjusting for socio-demographic factors and COVID-fear, better nutritional status and moderately active PA were both associated with lower levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms, while highly active PA was associated with lower levels of insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that more attention should be paid to psychological health among adolescents while combating COVID-19. To promote adolescents' mental health, educators should help adolescents develop a healthy lifestyle with balanced diet and regular exercise. Los problemas de salud mental son comunes en adolescentes y están influenciados por eventos estresantes. Se evaluó prevalencia y correlatos de síntomas de insomnio, depresión y ansiedad en adolescentes chinos durante el COVID-19. Método: En mayo de 2020 se realizó un estudio transversal (N = 1.794 adolescentes, edad media = 15,26) mediante una encuesta en línea para recopilar datos sociodemográficos, miedo relacionado con COVID-19, nutrición, actividad física (AF) y síntomas de insomnio, depresión y ansiedad. Resultados: La prevalencia de síntomas de insomnio, depresión y ansiedad fue del 37,80%, 48,20% y 36,70%, respectivamente. Modelos lineales generalizados revelaron que mujeres, niños abandonados y estudiantes con más miedo al COVID-19 tendían a informar síntomas de insomnio, depresión y ansiedad simultaneamente. Después de ajustar los factores sociodemográficos y el miedo al COVID-19, mejor estado nutricional y AF moderadamente activa se asociaron con niveles más bajos de síntomas de depresión y ansiedad, mientras que AF muy activa se asoció con niveles más bajos de insomnio, síntomas depresivos y de ansiedad. Conclusiones: Se debe prestar más atención a la salud psicológica de los adolescentes mientras se combate el COVID-19. Para promover su salud mental, los educadores deben ayudarles a desarrollar un estilo de vida saludable con una dieta equilibrada y ejercicio regular.
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Longitudinal Weight Gain and Related Risk Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Adults in the US.
Bhutani, S, vanDellen, MR, Cooper, JA
Nutrients. 2021;13(2)
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The Covid-19 pandemic has altered health behaviours of many individuals resulting in weight gain. This cross-sectional study of 1779 individuals aimed to determine the long-term impact of Covid-19 on health behaviours and weight gain over 5 months. The results showed that most participants (40%) body weight increased alongside increased processed food intake and snacking. 33% of the individuals who gained weight continued to gain weight and 28% maintained their higher weight after lockdown measures were lifted. Take-away meals, processed food intake and stress levels remained high post-lockdown in those who gained weight. It was concluded that lockdown measures may have impacted daily life resulting in weight gain which may perpetuate long-term. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that lockdown measures may have altered eating behaviours resulting in weight gain and that these may need to be uncovered to aid long-term weight loss.
Abstract
Cross-sectional analyses have shown increased obesogenic behaviors and a potential for weight gain during COVID-19 related peak-lockdown (March-May 2020), but longitudinal data are lacking. This study assessed longitudinal changes in body weight and lifestyle behaviors in the US adults during the pandemic. METHODS We used Qualtrics survey to collect self-reported data on body weight, dietary, physical activity, and psychological variables (n = 727) during the peak-lockdown (April/May) and at post-lockdown (September/October). Peak-lockdown weight data were categorized based on the magnitude of weight gained, maintained, or lost, and behavioral differences were examined between categories at two time points. RESULTS Body weight increased (+0.62 kg; p < 0.05) at the post-lockdown period. The body mass index also increased (26.38 ± 5.98 kg/m2 vs. 26.12 ± 5.81 kg/m2; p < 0.01) at the post-lockdown period vs. peak-lockdown period. Close to 40% of participants reported gaining either 1-4 lbs or >5 lbs of body weight during the peak-lockdown, while 18.2% lost weight. Weight-gainers engaged in riskier dietary behaviors such as frequent ultra-processed food intake (p < 0.01) and snacking (p < 0.001), were less active, and reported high stress and less craving control during peak-lockdown. Of those gaining >5 lbs, 33% continued to gain weight after the lockdown eased, while 28% maintain higher body weight. In weight-gainers, takeout meal frequency increased, and high ultra-processed food intake and stress, and low craving control continued to persist after the lockdown eased. CONCLUSION We show that the COVID-19 lockdown periods disrupted weight management among many Americans and that associated health effects are likely to persist.
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Eating Behaviour Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies.
González-Monroy, C, Gómez-Gómez, I, Olarte-Sánchez, CM, Motrico, E
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2021;18(21)
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The appearance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has led not only to changes in relationship patterns but also lifestyle habits. The aim of this study was to evaluate eating behaviour changes during the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing a comparison of eating behaviours before and after the outbreak of the pandemic. This study is a systematic review of 23 longitudinal studies. Results indicate that: - the frequency of meals is not associated with the amount of food eaten. - there was not a correlation between gender and age with specific eating behaviours. Authors conclude that further research focusing not only on food intake but also on alcohol consumption and its consequences is required. This may aid in the development of a progression of ‘eating behaviour during a state of alarm’ and in the establishment of a benchmark for future directions to help improve guidelines for achieving proper nutrition aimed at the new normality.
Abstract
Eating behaviour is a complex construct that is liable to be modified by external factors. Due to the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many restrictive measures were carried out with the aim of reducing the impact of this disease. As a result, lifestyles were disrupted, which could affect eating behaviours. The aim of this systematic review of longitudinal studies was to assess changes in eating behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing a comparison of eating behaviours before and after the outbreak of the pandemic. This study followed the PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42020203246), whereas to assess the quality of the studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) was applied. Out of a set of 826 studies, 23 were included in this systematic review. The main findings provided information about a shift towards modified eating behaviours, characterized by an increased snack frequency and a preference for sweets and ultra-processed food rather than fruits, vegetables, and fresh food. Additionally, an increased alcohol consumption was found among different countries. Consequently, adherence to healthy diets decreased. These findings are relevant to future policies and strategies to assess nutrition in cases of alarming situations such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Psychological Aspects and Eating Habits during COVID-19 Home Confinement: Results of EHLC-COVID-19 Italian Online Survey.
Di Renzo, L, Gualtieri, P, Cinelli, G, Bigioni, G, Soldati, L, Attinà, A, Bianco, FF, Caparello, G, Camodeca, V, Carrano, E, et al
Nutrients. 2020;12(7)
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The new form of coronavirus (Sars-CoV-2) has triggered a worldwide state of emergency. The lockdown measures have had a great impact on everyday life, often associated with a negative influence on psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to analyse the psychological status during the COVID-19 pandemic and its correlation with the eating habits in the Italian population. This study is based on the “Eating Habits and Lifestyle Changes in COVID-19 lockdown” (EHLC-COVID19) project which conducted research, using an electronic survey in Italian, to collect data on the Italian population regarding eating habits, lifestyle and the behavioural and emotional impact related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed that the lockdown has had effects on the mood of the participants (n = 61.3% lowering of their mood). Most of the participants referred to anxious feelings and depressed moods as well as exhaustion and tension with tachycardia and breathing difficulties. Furthermore, almost half of the participants felt anxious because of their eating habits which lead to comfort food and increased food intake in order to feel better. Authors conclude that since the COVID-19 pandemic is still on-going, further study on psychological status, eating habits and positivity in relation to COVID-19 should be conducted.
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the population with consequences on lifestyles. The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between eating habits, mental and emotional mood. A survey was conducted online during social isolation, from 24 April to 18 May 2020, among the Italian population. A total of 602 interviewees were included in the data analysis. A high percentage of respondents experienced a depressed mood, anxious feelings, hypochondria and insomnia (61.3%, 70.4%, 46.2% and 52.2%). Almost half of the respondents felt anxious due to the fact of their eating habits, consumed comfort food and were inclined to increase food intake to feel better. Age was inversely related to dietary control (OR = 0.971, p = 0.005). Females were more anxious and disposed to comfort food than males (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). A strength of our study was represented by the fact that the survey was conducted quickly during the most critical period of the Italian epidemic lockdown. As the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, our data need to be confirmed and investigated in the future with larger population studies.