Changes in Eating Habits and Physical Activity after COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns in Italy |
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Authors: | Mauro Lombardo,Elena Guseva,Marco Alfonso Perrone,Alexander Mü ller,Gianluca Rizzo,Maximilian Andreas Storz |
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Affiliation: | 1.Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy;2.Division of Cardiology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;3.Department of Internal Medicine II, Center for Complementary Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.M.); (M.A.S.);4.Independent Researcher, Via Venezuela 66, 98121 Messina, Italy; |
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Abstract: | The introduction of lockdowns and other containment measures during the COVID-19 pandemic substantially altered people’s lifestyle and dietary behavior. Several studies evaluated the short-term effects of these measures; yet reports on long-term consequences are scarce. We sought to address this gap in the literature by analyzing dietary and lifestyle data collected at an obesity center in Rome, Italy. The Italian region of Lazio was hit hard by the pandemic. To evaluate the potential health impacts, we compared the pre- and post-lockdown data of 118 individuals. Contrary to the common belief that lockdown had adverse effects solely on people’s dietary habits, we observed a significantly increased consumption of raw vegetables, whole grains, and water in our study sample. Favorable effects, however, were also accompanied by adverse trends, such as a higher prevalence of sleeping difficulties. Our data emphasize that the lockdowns associated with the pandemic also influenced participants’ social behavior, with less individuals reporting eating out or in company. Our study highlights the substantial impact of lockdowns on many dimensions of life. As such, it is of utmost importance in the critical evaluation of such stringent containment measures. |
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Keywords: | food eating habits lifestyle physical activity COVID-19 |
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