Abstract
Nutrition during childhood and adolescence is very important for growth and can have long-term health implications. The COVID-19 lockdown caused significant changes in everyday life, including in children and adolescents. This study evaluated the effects of the first COVID-19 lockdown on eating habits and body weight in children and adolescents. An online cross-sectional survey was carried out among the parents of children (5–9 years) and adolescents (10–14 years) living in Italy. The online self-administered questionnaire included demographic and anthropometric data (reported weight and height) weight and dietary habit changes during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy (March to June 2020). A total of 439 participants were included. We found a change in eating habits with an increase in consumption of sweet packaged snacks (34%) and processed meat (25%), as well as bread, pizza and bakery products (47%). We also found an increase in vegetable, fresh fruit and legume intake (19%), and a reduction in sweet beverage and candy intake. A total of 59.7% of the participants reported body weight gain, with adolescents gaining more than children (67% vs. 55%, p = 0.010, respectively). In children, body weight gain was associated with a change in body height and increased consumption of dairy products and sweet packaged snacks, while in adolescents it was associated with an increased intake of comfort foods and processed meat. Our data highlighted the need to carefully monitor eating behaviors to avoid the establishment of unhealthy eating habits and prevent obesity in children and adolescents during periods of self-isolation.
Highlights
Introduction published maps and institutional affilThe coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is considered the greatest threat to global health in recent years
Our study evaluated the effects of the first COVID-19 lockdown on the eating habits of adolescents and children
Since childhood and adolescence are essential life stages for learning and establishing healthy eating habits, which tend to be maintained later in adult life, our findings suggest that eating habits should be closely monitored to avoid the establishment of unhealthy eating habits and prevent body weight gain in children and adolescents while the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing
Summary
Introduction published maps and institutional affilThe coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is considered the greatest threat to global health in recent years. In order to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the Italian government [2], in agreement with other countries of the world, as indicated by UNESCO [3], put in place rigorous containment measures This “Stay-at-Home” decree [2] changed the lifestyles and habits of the Italian population during the lockdown [4,5]. Children were allowed to play sports or walks outdoor, while in Italy such activities were prohibited. From both emotional and physical perspectives, health professionals warned of the threat that this lockdown could be for the well-being of children [6,7]
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
