Changes in Spanish lifestyle and dietary habits during the COVID-19 lockdown

Rosa Casas,Isabel Bertomeu,Marta Campolier,Blanca Raidó-Quintana,Ana María Ruiz-León,Jordi Gonzalez-Juste,Sara Castro-Barquero,Ramon Estruch

doi:10.1007/s00394-022-02814-1

Abstract

PurposeThe COVID-2019 pandemic forced many governments to declare the “to stay at home” which encouraged social distancing and isolation among citizens. The aim of this study was to assess the dietary and lifestyle habit changes that occurred during home confinement in Spain.MethodsAn European online survey was launched in April 2020. This included 70 questions on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, dietary habits, including key Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) foods. A total of 945 Spanish adults from 1268 European that completed the online survey were included in the analysis.ResultsMost of the Spanish participants adopted healthier dietary habits during home lockdown, which was translated to a higher MedDiet adherence. However, a negative impact on physical activity levels, sleep quality or smoking rates was observed. Low MedDiet adherence was associated with a higher risk of weight gain (OR = 1.53, CI 1.1–2.1; p = 0.016), while no snacking between meals reduced the risk by 80% (OR = 0.20, CI 0.09–0.45, p < 0.001) and eating more quantity, considering portion size, increased body weight gain risk almost sixfold more.ConclusionTo conclude, although dietary habits were improved during home lockdown, certain unhealthy behaviours (e.g. increased snacking between meals, increased food intake, and an increase in sedentary behaviour) were increased.

Highlights

On December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) alerted a coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, which initially affected the lungs causing interstitial pneumonitis and a severe acute respiratory syndrome
These results are aligned with the findings reported by Rodríguez-Pérez et al [20], which showed that Spanish adults aged 51 years and older have the highest Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) adherence
It can be concluded that the Spanish population has improved their dietary habits during home lockdown

Summary

Introduction

On December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) alerted a coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, which initially affected the lungs causing interstitial pneumonitis and a severe acute respiratory syndrome. The WHO declared a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic on January 31, 2020 [2]. To manage the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, various public health recommendations and governmental measures were applied. Several countries declared states of emergency, including the Spanish government on March 14, 2020 [3]. This emergency declaration caused a stockpiling of food due to the possibility of an insufficient supply in grocery stores.

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