IJFANS International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences

ISSN PRINT 2319 1775 Online 2320-7876

Changes in Dietary and Lifestyle Habits during the First Lockdown of COVID Pandemic: A Reflection of Public Health Status from India

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Meenakshi Sachdev, Malini Madhav Hutgekar, Niraimathi Anandan , Nagayoujanavalli Alladi, Anbareen Fathima M, Soundharya M G

Abstract

Background: India declared a complete lockdown during the first wave of COVID-19, leading to unprecedented socio-economic transformations. Objectives: The aim of this study was to document the changes in the dietary and lifestyle factors observed among Indians during the lockdown period of the first wave of COVID-19. Method: An online survey was conducted among Indians above 18 years of age, shared through social media platforms. Results: Out of 1118 complete responses, 53.7% were 21 to 40 years old, 79.2% were female, and 37.9% were students. About 75% and 78.9% observed changes in eating habits and became conscious of healthy food choices, respectively. A major proportion of participants found no self-perceived changes in appetite, frequency of meal consumption, snacking frequency, and the quantity of food consumed. About 41% perceived changes in body weight. Consumption of home-cooked meals increased and intake of processed cereals, bakery products, sweets, chips, and carbonated beverages reduced. Increased quantity and frequency of meals, appetite, sleep and reduced physical activity were significantly associated with changes in body weight. About three-fourths purchased groceries from local markets, and 89.1% resorted to thinking about food wastage and reuse. About 40.5% started indulging in physical activity during the lockdown. About 6-7 hours of sleep was reported by 36.2% of participants, while delayed sleeping was observed in 56.3%. Conclusion: Notable dietary and lifestyle changes have been observed in Indians. Longitudinal studies and systematic reviews will help assess the long-term health concerns arising in society due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

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