The impact of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic on changes of eating habits and body mass

Introduction: The introduction of lockdown measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 widely affected the lifestyle. The strict rules of social distancing and decreased individual mobility resulted in psychosocial implications. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating habits, physical activity and body mass. Methods: The survey was performed nation-wide by Internet among adult Poles between November 2020 and January 2021. Study questionnaire included 50 questions concerning anthropometric and social parameters as well as questions related to eating habits and dietary choices. The exclusion criteria were eating disorders and pregnancy. Results: Total of 1164 responders (74.5% females) in mean age 23.2 ± 7.5 years were included. 11.4%, was diagnosed with underweight, 66.1% with normal weight, 16.8% with overweight and 5.7% with obesity. In 86.2% of participants there was a change in study/work character during COVID-19 pandemic. 38.6% of participants gained weight and 26.5% of the study group loosed weight during lockdown. There was a significant increase in mean number of meals during time of COVID-19 pandemic (4.1 ± 1.3 vs. 3.7 ± 1.0 meals/day, p<0.001). 51.6% of the participants declared more frequent snacking between meals, similarly 52.6% started to cook more often and 29.3% of the group used sugar more often compared to the time before pandemic. Conclusion: The lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unfavorable changes in eating habits and weight gain a significant part of Polish population.