Living habits during the COVID-19 pandemic: repercussions on body weight and anxiety levels

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed people’s life routines due to the obligation to stay at home, which can result in changes in behavior. Objective: To identify changes in lifestyle habits during the COVID-19 pandemic, relating to changes in body weight and reported levels of anxiety. Method: Cross-sectional study with adults of both sexes, in which data were collected through an online questionnaire, with the aid of the Google Docs tool. Results: 258 people participated, 192 (74.4%) women, eutrophic aged between 18 and 73 years. It was observed that 146 (56.6%) gained weight and among these 105 (71.9%) used more applications to order meals, 104 (74.7%) reported higher intake of sweets and 105 (71.9%) of high-calorie snacks, in addition to longer screen time and anxiety. Negative changes in emotional state were reported by 175 (67.8%) participants, 150 (58.1%) stated that anxiety increases their appetite; 206 (79.8%) reported increased anxiety and among these 64.6% used more meal ordering apps and 65% reported higher intake of sweets and snacks. Conclusion: The changes in lifestyle that occurred during the pandemic reported by most respondents were associated with weight gain and increased levels of anxiety, factors that can affect immunity and increase the risk of COVID-19.