Dietary habits in adults during quarantine in the context of COVID-19 pandemic

Abbas, Ahmed M.; Kamel, Mark Mohsen

doi:10.1016/j.obmed.2020.100254

Cited by 74 publications

(80 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…A nationwide survey in China ( n = 52,730) reported psychological distress prevalence of 35% [ 12 ]. The negative emotional effects of this global crisis due to deaths, the mandatory quarantine, and economic disruption, along with feelings of isolation, fears of infection, stress, and disrupted lives, are all likely to increase EE [ 14 ]. Furthermore, this prolonged period of mandatory quarantine has led to psychological discomfort, sedentary behavior, disturbed sleep, and difficulty maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including making wrong food choices [ 15 , 16 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and Predictors of Emotional Eating among Healthy Young Saudi Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020

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Emotional eating (EE) is prevalent among women and is associated with obesity. The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and mandatory quarantine increased the risk of mental symptoms and, inferentially, emotional eating (EE). We investigated the EE prevalence and predictors during this pandemic. Overall, 638 women, ages 18–39, completed an online survey incorporating the Emotional Eating Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. We asked about nutrition and collected data on weight, height, and pandemic responses. Most respondents (47.2%) reported low EE; 40.4% were “moderate” and 12.4% “high” emotional eaters; 42.8% reported depression, 27% anxiety, 71% moderate stress, and 12.5% severe stress. The main EE indicators/predictors were fat intake (β = 0.192, p = 0.004), number of meals (β = 0.187, p < 0.001), sugar consumption (β = 0.150, p < 0.001), body mass index (β = 0.149, p < 0.001), stress (β = 0.143, p = 0.004), energy intake (β = 0.134, p = 0.04), and fast food intake frequency (β = 0.111, p < 0.01). EE score correlated negatively with increased family income (β = −0.081, p = 0.049). Higher stress correlated with worse sleep, less sleep, and less physical activity. Emotional eating is common among young Saudi women during the pandemic. We recommend healthy food choices and increased physical activity to improve sleep and mitigate stress.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and Predictors of Emotional Eating among Healthy Young Saudi Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020

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“…The use of social distancing, face masks, gloves, and other individual protection measures is having a massive impact on reducing the current peak of active cases but, as recently demonstrated, over time, a decreasing sense of alarm about the pandemic may contribute to a new, larger second wave of epidemics [ 3 ]. In any case, the enforced confinement has upset our life priorities and changed the way we live in several ways, ranging from working behaviors (e.g., smart working, job cuts) to the psychological field, fostering the onset of depression, boredom, sedentary activities, and several more harmful effects on life habits [ 4 , 5 ]. Moreover, constantly hearing or reading about the pandemic during quarantine without a break has stressfully affected most people.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preliminary Trajectories in Dietary Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Public Health Call to Action to Face Obesity

Zupo

Castellana

Sardone

et al. 2020

IJERPH

114

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The world is currently struggling to face the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), and many countries have imposed lockdowns and recommended quarantine to limit both the spread of the virus and overwhelming demands for medical care. Direct implications include the disruption of work routines, boredom, depression, increased calorie consumption, and other similar harmful effects. The present narrative review article briefly analyzes the preliminary effects of the quarantine lifestyle from the standpoint of dietary habits. In six different databases, we searched for original articles up to 10 August 2020, assessing eating habits among populations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and recorded any change in the intake of major food categories, as well as changes in body weight. The research strategy yielded 364 articles, from which we selected 12 articles that fitted our goal. Our preliminary findings revealed a sharp rise of carbohydrates sources consumption, especially those with a high glycemic index (i.e., homemade pizza, bread, cake, and pastries), as well as more frequent snacks. A high consumption of fruits and vegetables, and protein sources, particularly pulses, was also recorded, although there was no clear peak of increase in the latter. Data concerning the consumption of junk foods lacked consistency, while there was a decreased alcohol intake and fresh fish/seafood consumption. As a possible connection, people gained body weight. Therefore, in the realistic perspective of a continuing global health emergency situation, timely preventive measures are needed to counteract obesity-related behaviors in the long-term, so as to prevent further health complications.

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“…These consequences were accompanied with higher food intake, sleeping disorders, and weight changes [14]. Recent studies show that good hydration, good quality of sleep, planned daily physical activity, and a healthy balanced diet would help reduce stress during quarantine [15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of COVID-19 quarantine on dietary habits and physical activity in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Bakhsh

Khawandanah

Naaman

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments around the world to impose strict hygiene and national lockdown measures, which in turn has changed the dietary and lifestyle habits of the world’s population. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate whether dietary and physical activity behaviors of Saudi Arabia’s adult population changed during the COVID-19 quarantine.Methods: An electronic questionnaire was distributed on social media between June and July 2020 and was completed by 2,255 participants (24% aged 30–39 years old, 64% female, 68% university educated).Results: Over 40% and 45% of participants reported eating and snacking more, respectively, which led to weight gain in 38%. Most participants reported that they consumed home-cooked (73%) and healthy meals (47%), while only 7% reported that they consumed foods from restaurants. Feelings of boredom and emptiness (44%) and the availability of time for preparing meals (40%) were the main reasons for changing dietary habits. Honey (43%) and vitamin C (50%) were the most consumed immune-boosting food and dietary supplement, respectively. COVID-19 also had a negative impact on physical activity, lowering the practice in 52% subjects, which was associated with significant weight gain (p <0.001).Conclusion: Assessing the changes to the population’s dietary habits and physical activity during the lockdown will help predict the outcome of the population’s future health and wellbeing after the pandemic.

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Dietary habits in adults during quarantine in the context of COVID-19 pandemic

Cited by 74 publications

References 7 publications

Prevalence and Predictors of Emotional Eating among Healthy Young Saudi Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Prevalence and Predictors of Emotional Eating among Healthy Young Saudi Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Preliminary Trajectories in Dietary Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Public Health Call to Action to Face Obesity

The Impact of COVID-19 quarantine on dietary habits and physical activity in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

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