Dietary Habits, Shopping Behavior and Weight Gain during Covid-19 Pandemic Lockdown among Students in a Private University in Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Due to the global surge in COVID-19 cases, numerous countries have enforced lockdowns of varying stringency. Social isolation and stay-at-home orders have detrimental effects on one’s lifestyle and dietary habits. This study aimed to assess the dietary patterns, food preferences, shopping behavior and weight gain during the lockdown among students in a private university in Malaysia.
 Design and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 426 students using convenience sampling method onemonth after initiating the Conditional Movement Control Order (November 15-30, 2020), using a validated self-administered web-based survey. Chi-square test with post-hoc and planned comparison procedures were performed.
 Results: Of the 426 participants, more than half were females (55.9%). Over half of the surveyed students reported increased eating (51.2%), snacking (55.2%) and online food ordering (71.1%) during the lockdown. Meat products and sweet drinks (both >90%) were the most consumed food among individuals with higher BMI. 45.5% of the participants reported weight gain (mean 3.36, SD 1.61kg) one month after the lockdown. Female, youth (aged 19-24), working remotely, increased eating, snacking, cooking, and online food ordering were positively associated with weight gain.
 Conclusions: Findings suggested that unintended consequences of lockdown have negative impacts on dietary habits and food preferences among university students. Advocacy and public health measures for nutritional support amidst the pandemic are crucial, especially for at-risk groups such as overweight and obese individuals.

Sex disparities in food consumption patterns, dietary diversity and determinants of self-reported body weight changes before and amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 10 Arab countries

“…This is explained by the fact that a higher dietary diversity leads probably to higher energy intake and leads to weight gain in some circumstances. These findings come in disagreement with the results of a study conducted by Chen et al ( 33 ) among students in Selangor, Malaysia, which found that students with lower BMI (<23.0 kg/m 2 ) had better food consumption patterns than those with higher BMI (≥23.0 kg/m 2 ).…”

Covid-19 Lockdown Health Consequences for Residents of Ilorin South Local Government Area, Kwara State

“…In a similar line, [36] discovered that following Covid-19 during lockdown, children with obesity had less exercise time and more screen and sleeping time. Also contradicting this study's finding is the study of [19] among university students, which revealed that almost half of the surveyed individuals had been consuming sweet drinks for more than once daily and more than half of the respondents reported frequent consumption of fast food, instant food, confections, and salty snacks in daily or weekly basis, but only a quarter reported consuming vegetables and fruits daily during the lockdown. This was deemed alarming as consumption of sugary drinks is highly associated with increased risk of obesity.…”

“…Lockdowns also play a part in "stress eating", which may contribute to poor dietary intake and unhealthy food choices. Studies also found that individuals who have changed their eating habits and food preferences during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown are more likely to gain, rather than lose weight [19].…”

“…For example, an Italian study found that following Covid-19 during lockdown, children with obesity had less exercise time and more screen and sleeping time [18]. [19] posited that individuals' eating habits and food choices may alter during the quarantine due to limited access to nutritious meals and a preference for fast food and instant food products. People staying at home get to spend more time with their family members and tend to eat more meals and snack more frequently due to increased home cooking.…”

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Public Interest in the Energy Labelling on Restaurant Menus

“…Most participants (58%) reported being fairly active, and did not report any significant changes in their BMI during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been reported that food ordering was significantly associated with weight gain after one month of lockdown among individuals in Malaysia [ 30 ]. In contrast, the participants in this study reduced their restaurant meals but did not increase their use of meal delivery services, thus maintaining the same BMI during the pandemic as prior to the pandemic.…”