Changes in Dietary Habits and Eating Behaviors during COVID-19 Induced Confinement

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dietary habits (DH) and eating behaviors (EB) among adults during COVID19-induced confinement. For this purpose, an online survey designed to assess the change in DH and EB during April and May of 2020 was distributed using various social media platforms. A total of 1844 participants aged 18-72 years completed the survey. The results outlined an increase (42.5-61.8%) in most of the DH and EB examined in the current study in the majority of the participants. Among these changes, increased (p<0.05) prevalence of fruit and vegetable, immune boosters, water, and hot beverage consumption as well as decreased (p<0.05) eating in restaurants and fatty food consumption, suggesting a positive change. Conversely, a greater (p<0.05) percentage of the participants reported an increase in high-calorie food consumption and late-night eating indicating a risky behavior for obesity and subsequent chronic complications. Additionally, age, gender, obesity, education, income, and job type seem to contribute (p<0.05) to the changes in DH and EB. Overall, COVID19-induced confinement seems to compel adults to adopt a specific DH and EB. Though most of these changes were positive, some were negative. The study provides crucial information to design subpopulation recommendations and developmental programs for adults under such conditions.