Background and aims COVID-19 is a pandemic that has affected beyond 100 million and caused nearly 3 million deaths globally. Vitamin D is a known risk factor for COVID-19. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and mean vitamin D level with COVID-19 infection and mortality in Asia, predicting with other confounding factors such as median age, obesity, and diabetes. Methods COVID-19 infections and mortalities among the Asian countries were retrieved from the Worldometer website. Information on prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and mean vitamin D values in each Asian country was retrieved through literature searching on PubMed® and Google scholar. The associations between COVID-19 infections and mortalities with prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and mean vitamin D level were explored with correlation coefficients. As a predictive analysis, multiple linear regression was carried out with all confounders. Results Positive correlations were observed for prevalence of vitamin D deficiency with COVID-19 infections (r = 0.55; p = 0.01; R 2 = 0.31) and mortalities (r = 0.50; p = 0.01; R 2 = 0.25). Moreover, the associations for the COVID-19 infections and mortalities improved to r = 0.76 (p = 0.002; R 2 = 0.58) and r = 0.65 (p = 0.03; R 2 = 0.42) respectively after predicting with confounding factors. Similarly, mean vitamin D level had a significant negative correlation with COVID-19 infections (r = −0.77; p = 0.04; R 2 = 0.59) and mortalities (r = −0.80; p = 0.03; R 2 = 0.63) when combining with confounders. Conclusion Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is significantly positively associated whereas the mean vitamin D level is significantly negatively associated with both infection and mortality rate of COVID-19 among Asian countries upon predicting with all confounders.

Aims This study aimed to investigate the immediate impact of COVID-19 quarantine measures on physical inactivity and weight gain among Sri Lankans. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from the 27th of May to 2 nd of June 2021 using Google forms . The questionnaire including socio-demographics and physical activity related questions was distributed through social media platforms. Results A total of 3707 respondents were included in the analysis (59.6% females). The majority were employed, resided in Colombo district and, as a minimum, had a degree. More than half of the respondents (52.4%) reported decreased exercise levels, 63.5% increased sitting time and 82.7% increased screen time. Adults of 31–35 (OR 1.96; 95% CI,1.321–2.894, p < 0.001) and 36–40 (OR 1.67; 95% CI, 1.099–2.524, p < 0.016) had increased sitting times compared to other age groups. A weight gain was reported by 38.5% with a mean (SD) increase of 3.61 (±2.35) kg. There was a significant difference in weight gain between genders (p < 0.001) and ethnic groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions An overall increase in physical inactivity such as reduced exercises, increased sitting time and screen time were observed. Furthermore, a considerable proportion of the population has increased body weight.

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the dietary patterns of individuals. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the purchase and consumption of fruit and vegetables in Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An online cross-sectional survey assessed the self-reported changes in fruit and vegetable consumption and purchase using Google forms. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between decreased consumption of imported fruits and increased home-grown food intake with socio-demographic variables. Results Among the 3621 survey respondents, 63.0% and 43.3% reported a decreased intake of imported and local fruits purchased from the market, respectively. Although the overall vegetable consumption has declined, the leafy vegetable consumption has increased by 40.7%. Imported fruit intake has significantly reduced among youngsters, males, respondents living in municipal areas, employed, and those with lower monthly incomes. Among the respondent, 48.9% declared an increased consumption of home-grown fruits or vegetables. Responders living away from Colombo and rural areas were more likely to report a higher intake of home-grown fruits and vegetables (OR 2.021; 95% CI, 1.762–2.318, P < 0.001). Employed males residing in municipal areas were less likely to report an increased intake (OR 0.689; 95% CI, 0.574–0.827, P < 0.001). Conclusion Purchase of imported and local fruits from the market has reduced. Although the overall vegetable consumption was decreased, there has been an increase in the consumption of leafy vegetables. Furthermore, consumption of home-grown fruits and vegetables has increased considerably. Well-established food distribution programs are essential in future pandemics to promote healthy eating.

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Background Obesity prevalence has increased during the past few decades, causing a pandemic with an influx in other co-morbidities. Many factors influence weight gain in an obesogenic environment therefore strategies for treating obesity may vary from conventional dietary and physical activity interventions to pharamacotherapy. A shift in unconventional strategies as herbal products for treating obesity have been investigated and one such plant extract is Caralluma fimbriata (C. fimbriata). Further, the studies included were systematically reviewed to gather evidence on potential effects of C. fimbriata as an appetite suppressant and weight loss supplement. Methods A systematic review of clinical trials reporting the effects of C. fimbriata as appetite suppression and anti-obesity supplement was reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Data were obtained by searching three databases: PubMed®, Web of Science® and SciVerse Scopus® for studies published until 30th April 2020. Results A total of 7 articles studying C. fimbriata satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were sourced from various countries including Australia (3), Cuba (1), India (2) and Spain (1). Almost all studies recruited adults who were overweight or obese with a BMI > 25 kg/m2 (n = 5), with the exception of two studies, one that recruited healthy adults with a BMI average of 26.5 kg/m2 and the second one utilised a population of children and adolescents with Prader-Willis Syndrome (PWS). Parameters assessing obesity, biochemical and appetite factors were analysed by carrying out a meta-analysis. Compared to placebo controlled group, C. fimbriata extract significantly reduced WC by 1.59 cm (95% CI, − 3.07 to − 0.10, p = 0.041) and WHR by 0.06 (95% CI, − 0.12 to − 0.01, p = 0.05) although no significant effects were seen on BW, BMI and HC. Biochemical and appetite parameters outcome on C. fimbriata consumption had no significant changes. Any side effects of individuals who ingested the extract were reported by few studies of which most common effects were constipation, diarrhoea, nausea and rashes. Conclusion Appetite parameters showed no significant changes and metabolic parameters did not improve with C.fimbriata supplementation therefore it is unlikely to recommend C. fimbriata as a weight loss supplement and an appetite suppressant.