Nutritional and health behaviour predictors of the weight gain during the COVID-19 pandemic

PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the body weight, nutritional habits, physical activity, and food consumption of adults living in Turkey and evaluate the effects of changes in these health behaviours on body weight. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with an online questionnaire. Data were collected through social media platforms using the snowball sampling method. A self-reported questionnaire included socio-demographic information, anthropometric data, dietary habits, food consumption, and lifestyle changes. In this study, 4181 people were included. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the variables associated with the increase in body weight. RESULTS: The findings obtained in this study showed that the bodyweight of 58.5% of the participants increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this increase was the highest (66.3%) among the obese. The rate of those who stated that their physical activity decreased was 69.5%. The foods consumed the most by individuals were homemade desserts (54%), nuts (53.8%) and fresh fruits (52.3%). Those whose serving size increased [OR = 4.98 (3.76–6.60)], those whose physical activity decreased or increased [OR = 2.94 (2.38–3.63) or 2.52 (1.84–3.45), respectively], and those whose number of main meals consumed increased [OR = 2.17 (1.72) − 2.75)], those with increased consumption of white bread (OR = 1.63 (1.20–2.22) and those with increased consumption of packaged sweet products [OR = 1.53 (1.23–1.89)] were more likely to gain weight. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that there are significant changes in the body weight, physical activities, and eating habits of the participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary to provide and follow-up specific guidance and support services for different groups to protect public health, improve and prevent nutrition-related diseases.