Predictors of weight gain during the COVID-19 quarantine: the Lithuanian COVIDiet study

Abstract

Introduction: The first COVID-19 quarantine in Lithuania (from 2020, March 16 until June 16) caused radical changes in daily life. The study aims to evaluate the changes in health behaviour and body weight during COVID-19 quarantine. Methods: The online cross-sectional survey was carried out in April 2020, a month after COVID-19 quarantine started in Lithuania. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire that included questions about sociodemographic data, consumption frequency of selected foods, selfreported weight and height, changes in eating behaviour, weight, physical activity, and alcohol consumption during quarantine was used to collect data. The link to the questionnaire was distributed using social media. In total, 2447 individuals older than 18 years (2149 females and 298 males) participated in the survey. Results: Prevalence of overweight was 27.8% and obesity 12.4%. Every third respondent (31.5%) reported that gained weight during the quarantine. The respondents having normal BMI gained weight less often (25.3%) compared to those with overweight (39.3%) and obesity (43.6%) (p<0.05). A considerable number of participants changed their eating habits. Eating more often than usual was reported by 49.4% of respondents, 45.1% increased snacking, 62.1% increased cooking at home. Every fifth participant increased the consumption of fried food, 37.7% - consumption of homemade pastries. Intake of carbonated and sugary drinks was reduced by 19.4% of respondents, commercial pastries by 26%, and fast food by 41.3%. More people reduced red meat and fish consumption than increased, while a higher proportion of participants increased fruit and vegetable consumption than reduced. Changes in food intake were associated with pre-quarantine diet. Nearly 30% of respondents who consumed ≥2 servings/day of vegetables before quarantine increased vegetable consumption during quarantine, while 24% of those who consumed le[...].