Effect of Coronavirus Disease 2019 lockdown on eating habits and lifestyle behavior

Abstract

Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected the lives of all sections of society, as people were asked to self-quarantine in their homes to prevent the spread of the virus. The confinement and lockdown caused many lifestyle changes for Indian citizens, especially with diet and physical activity. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on the dietary pattern and lifestyle behaviors in India. Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted from July 2021 to September 2021 using a validated semi-structured questionnaire. The “snowball sampling” procedure was used to recruit the participants. The questions focused on changes experienced by the participants in their lifestyle before and during the lockdown. Results: Among the 624 study participants, the mean age was 25.81 ± 9.7 years. Nearly 71.8% (448) reported that their diet and consumption patterns changed during the lockdown. The mean body mass index before the lockdown was 24.11 ± 4.43, and after the lockdown was 23.46 ± 4.51. The change in sleep duration was reported by 494 (79.1%). Conclusion: These unprecedented circumstances provide an opportunity to better understand the negative impact of strict lockdown measures on lifestyles, and at the same time, help identify and initiate positive behavioral changes, which if consolidated, may improve chronic disease outcomes in the long run.