Abstract
Objectives: To assess the potential influence of lifestyle changes during the first month of COVID-19 lockdown on body weight gains (WG) in an Algerian population cohort. Subjects and Methods: A sample survey, carried out using a self-administered questionnaire, sent on social networks to a random sample (172 participants). Anthropometric measurements were obtained as well as lifestyle factors including physical activity, diet habits, sleep, and screen time. Results: The average WG was; 1.02 ± 3.36, 1.18±2.15, and 0.95±3.79 (kg) for the total sample, men and women respectively. Δ-BMI (body mass index difference before and after one month of lockdown period) increased as following; 0.42±1.43, 0.39±0.68, and 0.43±1.66 (Kg/m²) for the total sample, men and women respectively. WG induced slightly changes from the normal BMI category to the overweight category for the total cohort (24.87±6.74 vs 25.28±7.19 kg/m²), women (25.13±7.65 vs 25.56±8.19 kg/m²) whereas no effect was reported in men (24.28±4.03 vs 24.67±4.15 kg/m²). A significant difference (p < 0.001) was revealed in men and women for sport practicing (53.33 vs 40.90 % respectively) and nighttime snacking (56.60% for men against 43.55% for women). Positive correlation between body WG and number of meals/day in men (r=0,341, p=0,012), while for women there was a positive correlation between WG change and both food intake (r=0.170, p=0.066) and nighttime snacking (r=0,228, p=0,013). Furthermore, a negative correlation between WG and sport practicing was found in women (r =-0.221, p=0.016). Conclusions: Significant WG was found during a short COVID-19 lockdown. The WG results presented herein were positively associated with certain lifestyle variables during the COVID-19 lockdown. Keywords: Algerian population, BMI, COVID-19, lifestyle changes, lockdown, weight gain.
Highlights
The first case of COVID-19 disease in Algeria was reported on 25 February 2020
The present study showed that the increase in body weight was correlated with three characteristics of lifestyle-related behaviors
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the effects of a COVID-19 lockdown period on weight changes among Algerian population cohort
Summary
The first case of COVID-19 disease in Algeria was reported on 25 February 2020. Since it has progressed rapidly and the number of cases grows exponentially each day 1. Other intervention measures implemented during the outbreak include temperature monitoring, hand washing, restricted access to all medical facilities, fever screening at designated local hospitals, as well as mandatory face mask-wearing while in hospitals, public transportation, and other enclosed public places 2. For this reason, drastic control measures have been taken by the Algerian government, by implementing several preventive strategies mainly, social distancing, movement restriction, quarantine, and lockdown. Separation from loved ones, the loss of freedom, uncertainty over disease status, and boredom can, on occasion, create undesirable consequences3 One of these consequences is the changes in the nutritional
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
