Negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and binge eating disorder in Brazilian women: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study aimed to identify changes in physical activity, sitting time, and binge eating disorder in Brazilian women during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted online on 150 Brazilian women adults. The prevalence of binge eating and physically inactive women increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (p = < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). Binge eating was associated with insufficient physical activity before (p = 0.01) and during the pandemic (p = 0.05). The physical activity time and sitting time showed no differences after adjustment for possible confounders (p?> 0.05). In conclusion, the pandemic affected Brazilian women’s lifestyle and eating behavior.