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15 pages, 687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Behaviours and the Quality of Life of Students of Medical Fields during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Ewa Kupcewicz, Daria Schneider-Matyka, Kamila Rachubińska, Paweł Jastrzębski, Aleksandra Bentkowska and Elżbieta Grochans

Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1747; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111747 - 2 Jun 2024

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Abstract

(1) Background: Social distancing and closing down public spaces associated with learning, leisure and physical activity limited the spread of COVID-19. These measures had an impact not only on the economy and education but also on health behaviours and the quality of life [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Social distancing and closing down public spaces associated with learning, leisure and physical activity limited the spread of COVID-19. These measures had an impact not only on the economy and education but also on health behaviours and the quality of life of individuals affected by the restrictions. The aim of this study was to identify the role of health behaviours in the perception of the quality of life of students during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: This study was conducted among 796 students of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn in the first quarter of 2022. Subgroup 1 consisted of students at the Public Health School (n = 428; 53.8%) and subgroup 2 consisted of students belonging to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (n = 368; 46.2%). The diagnostic survey method was applied, and an original survey questionnaire, the Health Behaviour Inventory and the Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQoL-Bref version) were used. (3) Results: The largest contribution to the prediction of quality of life of students in subgroup 1 was made by a positive mental attitude related to avoiding too strong emotions, which explained 19% of the result variability in the somatic domain (ßeta = 0.24; R² = 0.21), 20% of the result variability in the psychological domain (ßeta = 0.36; R² = 0.20), 16% of the result variability in the social domain (ßeta = 0.52; R² = 0.17) and 17% of the result variability in the environmental domain (ßeta = 0.19; R² = 0.19). Moreover, in subgroup 2, a predominantly positive mental attitude significantly predicted quality of life in the somatic domain, explaining 23% of the result variability (ßeta = 0.24; R² = 0.26), while it explained 25% of the result variability in the psychological domain (ßeta = 0.47; R² = 0.25), 16% of the result variability in the social domain (ßeta = 0.46; R² = 0.17) and 21% of the result variability in the environmental domain (ßeta = 0.38; R² = 0.23). (4) Conclusions: Positive correlations between health behaviours and the quality of life among the study participants were determined. Health-promoting behaviours had a beneficial impact on the respondents’ quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The category of health behaviours described as a positive mental attitude was an important predictor for the participants’ quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle and Health Changes during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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12 pages, 1144 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Change in Caffeine Consumption after Pandemic (CCAP-Study) among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from Italy

by Giuseppe Di Martino, Pamela Di Giovanni, Federica Vaccaro, Fabrizio Cedrone, Edoardo Trebbi, Livia Tognaccini, Ferdinando Romano and Tommaso Staniscia

Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081131 - 11 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2022

Abstract

(1) Background: The lockdown, imposed to limit the pandemic evolution, impacted the social habits and lifestyle of inhabitants also from many countries other than Italy. Caffeine consumption could be a useful option to improve mood, as the lockdown strongly affected mental health, particularly [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The lockdown, imposed to limit the pandemic evolution, impacted the social habits and lifestyle of inhabitants also from many countries other than Italy. Caffeine consumption could be a useful option to improve mood, as the lockdown strongly affected mental health, particularly increasing anxiety and sleep disorders. (2) Methods: It was a cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the change in caffeine consumption after the pandemic period in a sample of Italian University students. It investigated coffee and products containing caffeine consumption, the anxiety level by State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and sleep quality with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISS). (3) Results: A total of 404 participants were enrolled in the study. During the lockdown period, 23% of subjects consumed more coffee compared to the pre-pandemic period. Daily coffee consumption also changed after the lockdown period compared to the pre-pandemic period, with 36.1% of subjects that increased their consumption. Comparing other caffeine-based products, energizing supplement consumption showed a greater increase after the lockdown period than energy drinks. Regarding anxiety, subjects who reported increased coffee consumption reported higher STAI scores and ISS. (4) Conclusions: About a quarter of university students increased their consumption of caffeine-based products after the pandemic, reporting higher levels of anxiety and poor sleep quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle and Health Changes during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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12 pages, 259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Behaviours of Pregnant Women in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Kinga Janik, Grazyna Iwanowicz-Palus and Mateusz Cybulski

Nutrients 2024, 16(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010088 - 27 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1204

Abstract

Health behaviours of pregnant women should promote an optimal course of pregnancy and maternal health. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women’s health behaviours (proper eating habits with a particular focus on the type [...] Read more.

Health behaviours of pregnant women should promote an optimal course of pregnancy and maternal health. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women’s health behaviours (proper eating habits with a particular focus on the type of food consumed; preventive behaviours in terms of compliance with health recommendations and obtaining information on health and disease; healthy practices—daily habits in terms of sleep, rest and physical activity; as well as positive mental attitudes—avoiding strong emotions, stress, and depressing situations, determined by the frequency of each behaviour reported by the respondents). The study included women at different stages of pregnancy and women who were pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 355 women participated in the study. The study used a proprietary questionnaire and the Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI). The overall health behaviour score during the pandemic was higher (85.87) than the pre-pandemic score (82.16). There was a statistically significant difference between the total pre-pandemic and during-pandemic HBI scores. Additionally, there was an increase in the total score in each of the health behaviour domains during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic results. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women presented a statistically significantly higher rate of health behaviours, as measured with the HBI, indicating that respondents were more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviours. The study has shown a positive change in pregnant women’s eating habits, which can potentially affect the health of the population in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle and Health Changes during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)

12 pages, 289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Disparities in Lifestyle and Body Weight Changes during COVID-19 Quarantine and Post-Quarantine Persistence of Changes among Lithuanian Adult Population

by Janina Petkevičienė, Asta Raskilienė, Monika Grincaitė and Vilma Kriaučionienė

Nutrients 2023, 15(19), 4254; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194254 - 4 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1108

Abstract

The role of social factors on changes in lifestyle habits during the COVID-19 quarantine and their maintenance post-quarantine is underexamined. This study aimed to assess sociodemographic differences in nutrition, physical activity and body weight changes during the quarantine and their persistence post quarantine. [...] Read more.

The role of social factors on changes in lifestyle habits during the COVID-19 quarantine and their maintenance post-quarantine is underexamined. This study aimed to assess sociodemographic differences in nutrition, physical activity and body weight changes during the quarantine and their persistence post quarantine. The study included a random sample of Lithuanian residents aged 20 to 64. The questionnaires were filled in during the face-to-face interview within households countrywide in 2023. In total, 1500 individuals (742 men and 758 women) participated in the survey. Up to 34.9% of the respondents reported changes in eating habits, mostly increased consumption, 29.5% indicated reduced physical activity, and 22.7% gained weight. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that highly educated individuals were more likely than poorly educated individuals to increase healthy and decrease unhealthy food consumption and increase physical activity during the quarantine. The city inhabitants reported unfavourable changes in nutrition habits more often than those living in villages did. The proportion of respondents who reported the maintenance of the quarantine changes in lifestyle depending on the habit varied from 23.2% to 71.4% in the post-quarantine period. Highly educated individuals were less likely to maintain the decreased consumption of fresh fruits and increased body weight than less-educated individuals were. Our study provides evidence that the targeted interventions are needed to help less-educated individuals and city residents develop and maintain healthy lifestyle habits, even in times of crisis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle and Health Changes during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)

14 pages, 1038 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Body Weight among Lithuanian Students during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Vilma Kriaučionienė, Monika Grincaitė, Asta Raskilienė and Janina Petkevičienė

Nutrients 2023, 15(18), 4091; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15184091 - 21 Sep 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2121

Abstract

The long-term effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle changes remains understudied. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess changes in nutrition, physical activity, and body weight among Lithuanian students during the pandemic and their post-pandemic persistence. Data were collected from 1430 first-year students [...] Read more.

The long-term effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle changes remains understudied. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess changes in nutrition, physical activity, and body weight among Lithuanian students during the pandemic and their post-pandemic persistence. Data were collected from 1430 first-year students (325 males, 1105 females) through an online self-administered questionnaire. The students indicated an increase in the consumption of snacks, fast food, home-made confectionery, and sweets. A decrease in physical activity during the pandemic was reported by 34.9% of males and 33.2% of females. Lifestyle changes during the pandemic were associated with post-pandemic habits. A higher proportion of females (38.7%) than males (31.1%) indicated an increase in BMI, which was more pronounced among students with overweight. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that reduced physical activity; the increased consumption of red meat, snacks, fast food, and home-made confectionery during the pandemic; and post-pandemic BMI were linked with weight gain. After the pandemic, weight gain persisted in 40.9% of students who continued to follow unhealthy nutrition habits and had reduced physical activity. The study emphasizes that the promotion of a healthy diet and regular physical activity among university students is essential for developing lifelong habits that contribute to a healthy body weight and overall well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle and Health Changes during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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12 pages, 993 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of COVID-19 on Lifestyle Habits and Emotional State of Childhood Cancer Survivors and Their Parents

by Maya Yardeni, Omer Zvi Shaked, Reut Pienik, Michal Ben-Ami, Eve Stern, Hana Golan, Dalia Waldman, Doron Gothelf and Dalit Modan-Moses

Nutrients 2023, 15(18), 3932; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15183932 - 11 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1442

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing measures affected the physical and emotional state of children and parents worldwide. Survivors of childhood cancer may be particularly vulnerable to these effects. We aimed to evaluate the lifestyle habits and emotional states of childhood [...] Read more.

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing measures affected the physical and emotional state of children and parents worldwide. Survivors of childhood cancer may be particularly vulnerable to these effects. We aimed to evaluate the lifestyle habits and emotional states of childhood cancer survivors and their parents during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: Lifestyle habits and emotional distress were assessed in 43 childhood cancer survivors (aged 8–21 years) and their parents before and during the COVID-19 lockdown, using the PROMIS anxiety and depression modules and the “Mabat Youth” questionnaire. Results: Most parents (80.5%) reported eating more family meals during home confinement compared to their usual routine. Patients’ physical activity levels did not change significantly during confinement, leisure-related screen time nearly doubled (p < 0.001), and sleep duration increased (p = 0.006). Anxiety levels of children (p = 0.045) and parents (p = 0.02) increased during confinement compared to pre-pandemic levels, with no significant changes in depression levels. Conclusions: Contrary to concerns regarding lifestyle habits during the COVID-19 lockdown, eating behaviors of childhood cancer survivors improved, sleep duration increased, and physical activity remained unchanged. Still, screen time increased significantly. Parents of childhood cancer survivors reported higher anxiety levels for themselves and their children during home confinement. Our findings may assist medical and psycho-social teams in guiding parents of cancer survivors during similar circumstances in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle and Health Changes during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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14 pages, 298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emotional Overeating during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Polish Adolescents’ COVID-19 Experience (PLACE-19) Study

by Dominika Głąbska, Dominika Skolmowska and Dominika Guzek

Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3818; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173818 - 31 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1226

Abstract

Emotional overeating is the most frequently noted type of emotional eating, being commonly associated with increased consumption of energy-dense products, as well as excessive body mass, and weight gain. Even though a number of studies assessed emotional overeating during the COVID-19 pandemic in [...] Read more.

Emotional overeating is the most frequently noted type of emotional eating, being commonly associated with increased consumption of energy-dense products, as well as excessive body mass, and weight gain. Even though a number of studies assessed emotional overeating during the COVID-19 pandemic in adult populations, studies of children and adolescents are scarce. The aim of the present study was to assess emotional overeating background, including consumption in response to six emotions (anxiety, sadness, loneliness, tiredness, anger, and happiness), in the population of Polish adolescents within the PLACE-19 Study during the COVID-19 pandemic. The PLACE-19 Study is a national Polish population-based study of adolescents gathered upon recruitment based on a random quota sampling of secondary schools, conducted in a population of 1126 students (818 females and 308 males, a median of age 17.0 and 16.5 years, respectively). Emotional overeating was assessed while using the Emotional Overeating Questionnaire (EOQ), and as additional factors, the following were assessed: gender, body mass, body mass change during the COVID-19 pandemic, and declared tempting food products. Female participants declared a higher frequency of overeating in response to feelings of anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and happiness, and were characterized by a higher total score than male participants, while p ≤ 0.05 was interpreted as a statistical significance. Obese participants declared a higher frequency of overeating in response to feelings of sadness, and loneliness than normal weight participants. Participants gaining weight declared a higher frequency of overeating in response to feelings of anxiety, sadness, loneliness, tiredness, and anger, and were characterized by a higher total score than participants losing weight or maintaining a stable weight, while participants gaining weight declared a higher frequency of overeating in response to feelings of happiness than participants losing weight. Participants declaring both sweet and salty products as tempting declared a higher frequency of overeating in response to feelings of anxiety, and sadness than participants declaring no tempting products; participants declaring both sweet and salty products declared a higher frequency of overeating in response to feelings of tiredness than participants declaring only salty products and those declaring no tempting products, as well as declared a higher frequency of overeating in response to feelings of happiness than participants declaring only sweet products, and those declaring no tempting products; participants declaring sweet products declared a higher frequency of overeating in response to feelings of anger than participants declaring no tempting products, while participants declaring both sweet and salty products declared a higher frequency of overeating in response to feelings of loneliness, and were characterized by a higher total score than all other respondents. The sub-groups with the highest frequency of emotional overeating were the female respondents, obese participants, those gaining weight, and those declaring both sweet and salty products as tempting, while among the emotions most often causing emotional overeating, there were sadness and loneliness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle and Health Changes during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)

13 pages, 2085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutrition and Diet Apps: Brazilian Panorama before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Sueny Andrade Batista, Alessandra Fabrino Bretas Cupertino, Ana Paula Cupertino, Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho, Juliana Pimentel, Francisco Cartujano-Barrera and Verônica Cortez Ginani

Nutrients 2023, 15(16), 3606; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163606 - 17 Aug 2023

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Abstract

In the last decade, we have seen a substantial increase in the development and use of mobile technology to improve diet and healthy eating behaviors. Objective: To describe the characteristics of nutrition and diet apps before and after the COVID-19 pandemic available in [...] Read more.

In the last decade, we have seen a substantial increase in the development and use of mobile technology to improve diet and healthy eating behaviors. Objective: To describe the characteristics of nutrition and diet apps before and after the COVID-19 pandemic available in Brazil. Methods: Nutrition and diet apps were identified using the official Apple and Google stores. The search occurred in January 2020 and May 2022 in Brazil. We extracted the nutritional content and standard indicators (e.g., being developed before or after 2020, number of languages, target population, investment, prices, seller, number of reviews and downloads, consumer rating). Results: 280 apps were launched before and 411 during the COVID-19 period. Most apps were available in at least ten languages (96.6%), with no indication of age (95.6%) or partial or full cost (59%). As for the contents, 18.9% addressed personal diet suggestions; 73.4%, nutritional education; 48.8%, revenues; 35.9%, physical activity with a nutritional guide; 2.3%, nutritional recommendation for eating out; 23.9%, grocery shopping with a scan code; 32.4%, food diary; 18.9%, water intake; and 4.6%, nutrition/diseases. The data show an evolution that may have been boosted by the pandemic and that reveals a trend towards the development of apps with educational content. Conclusion: During the pandemic, there was a positive qualitative and quantitative movement in e-health regarding the promotion of education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle and Health Changes during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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21 pages, 757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lifestyles, Food Consumption Frequencies, and Eating Behaviors among Three Main Disciplines of Undergraduate Students during the Early COVID-19 Outbreak in Thailand

by Yuraporn Sahasakul, Nantakan Amonsusawat and Phenphop Phansuea

Nutrients 2023, 15(12), 2765; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15122765 - 16 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3296

Abstract

University students’ lifestyles and dietary habits have been considerably impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and its related policies and restrictions. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2020 to compare lifestyles, food consumption frequencies, and eating behaviors [...] Read more.

University students’ lifestyles and dietary habits have been considerably impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and its related policies and restrictions. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2020 to compare lifestyles, food consumption frequencies, and eating behaviors among three main disciplines of undergraduate students during the early COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand. The study involved 584 participants from Mahidol University, with 45.2% from Health Sciences (HS), 29.1% from Sciences and Technologies (ST), and 25.7% from Social Sciences and Humanities (SH). The results showed that ST students had the highest proportion of overweight and obese (33.5%) individuals, followed by HS (23.9%) and SH (19.3%) students. ST students skipped breakfast the most (34.7%), followed by SH (34%) and HS (30%) students. Furthermore, 60% of SH students spent 7 h or more daily on social media, and they had the least exercise and the highest frequency of ordering home-delivery food. SH students (43.3%) reported a higher likelihood of making unhealthier food choices and consuming fast food, processed meat, bubble tea, boxed fruit and vegetable juice, and crunchy snacks more frequently than students from other disciplines. The findings show that undergraduate students had poor eating behaviors and lifestyles during the early COVID-19 outbreak, highlighting the urgent need to promote food and nutrition security among students during and after the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle and Health Changes during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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18 pages, 1155 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lifestyle Changes during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic as Predictors of BMI Changes among Men and Women in Poland

by Izabela Bolesławska, Paweł Jagielski, Ewa Błaszczyk-Bębenek, Anna Jagielska and Juliusz Przysławski

Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2427; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112427 - 23 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1637

Abstract

Background: Social isolation during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected people’s body weight, therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the association between lifestyle elements and the change in BMI during lockdown. Methods: This retrospective observational study involved 290 questionnaires completed by adult participants divided [...] Read more.

Background: Social isolation during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected people’s body weight, therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the association between lifestyle elements and the change in BMI during lockdown. Methods: This retrospective observational study involved 290 questionnaires completed by adult participants divided into three groups according to BMI change during isolation. The structured questionnaire included a general description of the study objective and collected data regarding sociodemographics, anthropometrics, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep duration, and food intake pre- and during COVID-19 lockdown. Results: A decrease or increase in BMI was found in 23.6% and 47.8% of women and 18.5% and 42.6% of men, respectively. Among those who lost weight, 46.5% of women and 40% of men followed a diet of their own choice, 30.2% of women and 25% of men changed their product mix and reduced their intake, 40% of men stopped eating outside the home. An increase in BMI was associated with increased food intake (32.2% of women and 28.3% of men), increased sleep duration on weekdays (49.2% of women and 43.5% of men) and, in more than 50% of subjects, decreased physical activity. In women, increased BMI was associated with the highest frequency of snacking (p = 0.0003), the highest intake of sweets (p = 0.0021), and in men with the highest intake of alcohol (p = 0.0017). Conclusions: The observed changes in BMI during social isolation were the result of lifestyle modifications including dietary behaviour and differed by gender. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle and Health Changes during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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12 pages, 302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of the Practice of Physical Activity and Dietary Pattern with Psychological Distress before and during COVID-19 in Brazilian Adults

by Edina Maria de Camargo, José Francisco López-Gil, Thiago Silva Piola, Letícia Pechnicki dos Santos, Edilson Fernando de Borba, Wagner de Campos and Sergio Gregorio da Silva

Nutrients 2023, 15(8), 1926; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15081926 - 16 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1803

Abstract

To verify the association between the practice of physical activity and dietary patterns and psychological distress before and during the lockdown due to COVID-19, a cross-sectional study was performed with 2000 Brazilians (mean [M] = 35.78 years; standard deviation [SD] = 11.20; 59.6% [...] Read more.

To verify the association between the practice of physical activity and dietary patterns and psychological distress before and during the lockdown due to COVID-19, a cross-sectional study was performed with 2000 Brazilians (mean [M] = 35.78 years; standard deviation [SD] = 11.20; 59.6% women) recruited through convenience sampling via digital media. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire containing sociodemographic and clinical information, nutritional patterns, physical activity, and psychological distress. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multinomial regression. Before the COVID-19 lockdown, the chance of women presenting very high stress, in relation to men, was six times higher (OR = 6.32; 95% CI 4.20–9.51), a behavior that remained similar during the lockdown (OR = 6.63; 95% CI 4.40–10.00). Before the lockdown, insufficient physical activity doubled the chance of having very high stress in relation to those who engaged in physical activities six to seven times a week (OR = 2.11; 95% CI 1.10–4.02). However, during the lockdown, this probability was higher, from twice to 10 times the chance (OR = 10.19; 95% CI 4.85–21.41). Not exercising alone (OR = 2.18; 95% CI 1.52–3.11) and a decreasing physical activity frequency (OR = 2.28; 95% CI 1.40–3.71) were also associated with very high stress during the lockdown. Additionally, the consumption of smaller amounts of food showed an inverse association with very high stress (OR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.18–0.43). The maintenance of physical activity and an adequate eating frequency are measures that should be considered to cope with higher levels of anxiety and depression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle and Health Changes during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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21 pages, 974 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Diet and Physical Activity among 18–65-Year-Olds after the First National COVID-19 Lockdown in Denmark

by Jeppe Matthiessen, Anja Biltoft-Jensen, Anders Stockmarr, Sisse Fagt and Tue Christensen

Nutrients 2023, 15(6), 1480; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061480 - 20 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2462

Abstract

COVID-19 lockdowns affected everyday life significantly and made it challenging to achieve or maintain a healthy lifestyle. The aim of the present study was to examine longitudinal changes in Danish adults’ eating habits and physical activity (PA) assessed during and after the first [...] Read more.

COVID-19 lockdowns affected everyday life significantly and made it challenging to achieve or maintain a healthy lifestyle. The aim of the present study was to examine longitudinal changes in Danish adults’ eating habits and physical activity (PA) assessed during and after the first national lockdown in 2020. Furthermore, changes in body weight were examined during the first lockdown period. The whole diet (semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire), sociodemographic factors, moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), leisure screen time, anthropometrics, change in body weight, and stress level were assessed with a self-administered web-based questionnaire among 839 18–65-year-old Danes during and 5–6 months after the lockdown. Both favorable (decreased intake of saturated fat) and unfavorable (decreased intake of whole grain and fish, and increased intake of red meat) changes were found in the diet after the lockdown, while favorable changes in MVPA (increase in couples) and leisure screen time (decrease with a combined effect of family status and education) were found for PA. More Danish adults reported to gain weight (mean 3.0 kg) than to lose weight (mean 3.5 kg) during the first lockdown period (27% vs. 15%). The study showed favorable changes in PA and mixed results regarding diet among Danish adults after the lockdown. Furthermore, the first lockdown period unfavorably impacted the body weight of many Danes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle and Health Changes during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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17 pages, 663 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Obesity as a Risk Factor for Complications and Mortality in Individuals with SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review

by Marielle Priscila de Paula Silva-Lalucci, Déborah Cristina de Souza Marques, Pablo Valdés-Badilla, Leonardo Vidal Andreato and Braulio Henrique Magnani Branco

Nutrients 2024, 16(4), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16040543 - 16 Feb 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1952

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to analyze the available studies that identified overweight and/or obesity as a risk factor for mortality, use of respiratory support, and changes in biochemical markers in adults hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were [...] Read more.

This systematic review aimed to analyze the available studies that identified overweight and/or obesity as a risk factor for mortality, use of respiratory support, and changes in biochemical markers in adults hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched using PRISMA guidelines until January 2024. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (code: CRD42024501551). Of the 473 articles, only 8 met the inclusion criteria (e.g., adult individuals aged 18 or over diagnosed with COVID-19 individuals with overweight and/or obesity). In addition, the Downs and Black tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. The studies analyzed totaled 9782 adults hospitalized for COVID-19, indicating that overweight and obesity are present in more than half of adults. Diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension are more prevalent in adults with obesity. The systematic review also highlighted that a higher incidence of respiratory support is related to a higher incidence of hospitalization in intensive care units and that adults with overweight and obesity have a higher risk of mortality from COVID-19. Biochemical markers such as procalcitinin, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 are associated with the severity of COVID-19 infection. This systematic review exposed overweight and/or obesity as a risk factor for worse COVID-19 disease, as well as for the need for intensive care, respiratory support, mortality, and changes in essential blood markers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle and Health Changes during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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