Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on eating styles: A population based-survey during the first lockdown in Italy

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a strong impact on eating behavior. To maintain health and well-being, correct nutrition is essential, especially when the immune system is under pressure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between emotional aspects and the eating behavior of a group of people living in Sicily during the lockdown due to COVID-19. METHODOLOGY: We used a cross-sectional survey design with an anonymous online questionnaire, administered through technological means. RESULTS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 91 participants experienced high stress (PSS = 18.14 ± 4.1), and eating was associated with emotional behaviors (DEBQ EM = 41.74 ± 10.9). Stress correlated positively with the emotional and external aspects of eating behaviors. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the COVID-19 lockdown caused high stress with a worsening in eating behaviors. The study participants had difficulty in adequately coping with some emotions and feelings, developing an ‘addiction’ to food.