Changes in Lifestyle and Dietary Habits during COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy: Results of an Online Survey

Abstract

COVID-19 is an unprecedented global pandemic. On 12 March 2020, a lockdown order was issued in Italy in attempt to contain the health crisis. The study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on diet, physical activity, sleep quality, and distress in an Italian cohort. An online anonymous interview, which included validated questionnaires was created to compare lifestyle habits pre- and during the lockdown. Data analysis from 604 subjects with a mean age of 29.8 years was carried out using multivariate analysis. Compared to pre-COVID-19 times, 67% of people changed their eating habits and increased consumption of foods containing added sugars. Women and men with low adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) were more likely to be physically inactive (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.01, respectively). Results from logistic regression showed a three times higher risk of being inactive if adherence to the MedDiet was low (p < 0.0001), especially in men between 26 and 35 years. Lower levels of distress were reported in males who were physically active (89%) (p < 0.001). Our findings may help to identify effective lifestyle interventions during restrictive conditions.

Impact of Nationwide Lockdowns Resulting from the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Intake, Eating Behaviors, and Diet Quality: A Systematic Review

“…With regard to changes in food intake, increased consumption of fruit and vegetables was reported by 31 studies ( 20 , 22 , 25 , 27 , 29 , 32 , 33 , 35 , 45 , 49 , 52 , 54 , 60–63 , 65 , 71 , 76 , 83 , 87 , 89 , 90 , 92 , 94–96 , 103 , 111 , 113 ), whereas a decrease was found in 8 studies ( 59 , 73 , 77 , 82 , 86 , 91 , 99 , 110 ). However, some ( 4 , 26 , 81 ) found an increase only in vegetable consumption, as opposed to a decrease in fruit intake, while a French study ( 44 ) found a decrease in fresh fruit and vegetable consumption but an increase in canned and frozen vegetables.…”

“…Studies investigating cereal intake (e.g., pasta and rice, bread, flour, grains) reported an increased consumption of grains ( 4 , 22 , 25 , 29 , 35 , 41–43 , 45 , 62 , 77 , 81 , 86 , 89 , 99 ), and a lower intake of whole-grain products ( 65 , 77 , 99 ). A positive change was found in water consumption, which increased from 3.0% to 70.0% in all studies investigating this issue ( 23 , 25 , 41–44 , 62 , 68 , 77 , 78 , 86 , 89 , 104 , 113 ).…”

Impact of Working from Home on Cardiovascular Health: An Emerging Issue with the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic have also reported some changes in eating behaviors. Several surveys reported an increase in snack consumption [17][18][19][20][21] and weight gain [18,19] during lockdown. A large Japanese study including the data of 5929 participants, 27.8% of whom were working from home, reported that those who started working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic increased their intake of vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and snacks and the consumption of self-made meals [20].…”

Consumption of Food Supplements during the Three COVID-19 Waves in Poland—Focus on Zinc and Vitamin D

“…During the pandemic, negative changes in eating habits and lifestyle such as increased consumption of alcohol, sweets, and fast food or reduced physical activity were reported [11,12]. Taking into account the positive aspects, an increased intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and fish was also observed [13].…”