Effect of quarantine on eating behaviors and weight change among King Saud University students in Riyadh

Abstract

BackgroundTo determine the effect of quarantine on eating habits and weight change, as well as the primary changes in weight and eating habits among King Saud University students. AimThis study aims to identify the effects of quarantine on eating behaviours and weight changes. Also, it determines the main changes in eating behaviours and weight among KSU students in Riyadh from March 23 to June 21, 2020. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of a random sample of KSU students. Saudi male and female (non-pregnant females) bachelor’s degree students at KSU in the Riyadh region, who had not tested positive for COVID-19, satisfied the selection criteria. The total number of responses to the questionnaire was 1053; after the elimination of 320 responses that met the exclusion criteria, 733 students were included in the study. ResultsThe current study results confirmed as 52.4% of students ate more of snacks. Among students’ most consumed food items during the quarantine were starches, coffee, dairy, and poultry. Contrastingly, the least consumed food items were energy drinks, fish, and soft drinks. Further, 53.7% of the students gained weight, which was associated with anxiety, boredom, and consumption of red meat and eggs. However, weight loss among students was associated with concerns regarding weight gain, changes in food quantity, changes in appetite, and the consumption of vegetables. ConclusionAlthough lockdowns are an important safety measure to protect public health, the findings of this study show that quarantine affects eating and Emotional Eating (EE) behavior such as consuming more starch, dairy, and poultry among students at KSU. Furthermore, this study can help the Saudi authorities develop guidelines to direct Saudi food markets to increase advertising and promote healthy foods during situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.