Dietary Changes among the Indian Population during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: After the COVID-19 outbreak, significant changes in lifestyle and dietary patterns were observed. There are many studies indicating lifestyle changes but very few pointing out the intricate changes in consumption of different food groups, so our aim is to analyze the same. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 450 participants between the age group of 18 and 60 years. A self-developed questionnaire with questions regarding the change in consumption of different food groups during the pandemic was circulated online among the urban population. RESULTS: It was observed that 46% participants turned down their consumption of fish and seafood and 48.2% participants lowered frozen protein consumption. 44.9% respondents increased their milk consumption and 41.8% reduced their intake of ice-creams. It was observed that 42.4% participants turned up their consumption of bread and buns and 47.3% of respondents increased their rice intake. It was further recorded that 39.6% and 40.9% participants raised their intake of sweets and chocolates and biscuits and cookies, respectively. 50% and 61.3% respondents ate more green leafy vegetables and fruits during the pandemic. There was a 53.3%, 46.9%, and 38.7% reduction in the consumption of hamburgers, pizza, and fried foods, respectively. CONCLUSION: Majority of the participants have increased consumption of healthy foods like milk, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, while reduced the consumption of junk foods, carbonated drinks, and ice-cream. There has been a positive shift in the dietary pattern of the Indian population toward foods that help develop immunity despite its limited availability during the pandemic.