Changes in dietary behaviours and lifestyle as risk factors for weight gain during the covid-19 lockdown in chile: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

In this cross-sectional analytical study, we evaluated the effect of changes in dietary behaviours and lifestyle on weight gain during the COVID-19 lockdown in Chile. Five surveys were condensed into an 86-item online questionnaire comprising general and sociodemographic history, eating habits and lifestyle before and during confinement, emotional influence on eating behaviour, and food safety. Of 639 respondents, mean weight gain was 1.99 kg and 0.7 units of BMI. Increased dietary intake of most food groups were associated with greater weight, BMI and percentage weight gains. Lifestyle deterioration, worsening eating habits, and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods were the main risk factors for weight gain. Only 2% of BMI changes were explained by interaction between lifestyle changes and emotional influence, whereas 64% of changes were due to lifestyle deterioration. In conclusion, changes in dietary behaviours and quality of life deterioration were the main risk factors for weight gain during lockdown.