The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on snacking habits, fast-food and alcohol consumption: A systematic review of the evidence

Abstract

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and lockdown measures, that were implemented in many countries in order to control the virus transmission, had negatively influenced the lifestyle of millions of people worldwide. In this study we aimed to investigate the impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown period (March–May 2020) on snacking behavior, fast-food and alcohol consumption. A systematic search in PubMed®, Scopus® and Web of Science® databases was conducted and 32 studies were included. Changes in snacking, in fast-food and ordered food consumption and in alcohol intake were examined. Snacking was found to be increased for a significant portion of the population examined (18.9–45.1%), whereas fast food (15.0–41.3%) and ordered food (33.9%) showed a tendency towards decrease. As per alcohol consumption, an upward trend was observed in a significant part (10.4–51.0%) of the participants examined. The increased snacking and alcohol consumption observed for almost a third of the examined population could be alarming because long-term health problems could arise in cases of repeated lockdowns in the future. The observed downward trend in fast-food consumption and in frequency of ordered food could be an encouraging sign of turning to home-prepared foods, but further research is needed in this field.

Nutritional management of individuals with obesity and COVID-19: ESPEN expert statements and practical guidance

“…It has to be noted that despite considerable heterogeneity in the definition of "snacks" (including desserts, candy, chips, nuts, crackers, popcorns, etc. ), most of such food items are rich in calories and poor in nutrients [55]. In the above review [55], although snacking behavior remained unchanged during lockdowns for the majority of the population, an increased consumption of both salty and sugar snacks was reported for 18.9e45.1% of individuals.…”

“…), most of such food items are rich in calories and poor in nutrients [55]. In the above review [55], although snacking behavior remained unchanged during lockdowns for the majority of the population, an increased consumption of both salty and sugar snacks was reported for 18.9e45.1% of individuals. These negative changes that are influenced by internal and external factors, such as reduced foods availability, may affect the general population but may bear more negative consequences for people living with obesity.…”

“…In the "Effects of home Confinement on multiple Lifestyle Behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak (ECLB-COVID19)", a large international electronic survey involving 1046 respondents, food consumption and meal patterns (the type of food, eating out of control, snacks between meals, number of main meals) were more unhealthy during confinement, with only alcohol binge drinking decreasing significantly [54]. A systematic review including 128,292 subjects from 34 Countries worldwide investigated changes in specific dietary habits (snacking, fast-foods, ordered food) and alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 lockdown period [55]. It has to be noted that despite considerable heterogeneity in the definition of "snacks" (including desserts, candy, chips, nuts, crackers, popcorns, etc.…”

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Weight and BMI among UK Adults: A Longitudinal Analysis of Data from the HEBECO Study

“…Increased HFSS food intake, snacking and alcohol consumption have all been previously identified as important predictors of initial pandemic weight/BMI gain [7,9,10,12,[18][19][20][21]25]. Studies in the UK and internationally report large interindividual variability in dietary changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic [44], which in turn have been associated with weight change [7,12,14]. Sustained high intakes of ultra-processed, HFSS foods beyond peak lockdown have been associated with maintaining any weight gained during the start of the pandemic [12].…”

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on weight and BMI among UK adults: a longitudinal analysis of data from the HEBECO study

“…Increased HFSS food intake, snacking and alcohol consumption have all been previously identified as important predictors of initial pandemic weight/BMI gain [7,9,10,12,[18][19][20][21]25]. Studies in the UK and internationally report large inter-individual variability in dietary changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic [46], which in turn have been associated with weight change [7,12,14]. Sustained high intakes of ultra-processed, HFSS foods beyond peak lockdown have been associated with maintaining any weight gained during the start of the pandemic [12].…”