Influence of Body Mass Index on Eating Habits and Food Choice Determinants Among Brazilian Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author(s):Show less -

Mazzolani, Bruna Caruso ^[1] ; Smaira, Fabiana Infante ^[1] ; Esteves, Gabriel Perri ^[1] ; Santo Andre, Heloisa C. ^[2] ; Amarante, Milla Cordeiro ^[1] ; Castanho, Daniela ^[1] ; Campos, Karen ^[1] ; Benatti, Fabiana Braga ^{[1, 2]} ; Pinto, Ana Jessica ^[1] ; Roschel, Hamilton ^{[3, 1]} ; Gualano, Bruno ^{[3, 1]} ; Nicoletti, Carolina Ferreira ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Appl Physiol & Nutr Res Grp, Lab Assessment & Conditioning Rheumatol, Facuidade Med FMUSI, Hosp Clin HCFMUSA, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, Sch Appl Sci, Limeire - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Food Res Ctr, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION; v. 8, JUL 12 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Changes in emotional state due to the COVID-19 pandemic may potentially modify eating habits, which may differ as a function of body mass index (BMI). Using a self-reported, questionnaire-based survey we evaluated Brazilian women during the pandemic for: (i) the influence of BMI on changes in eating habits, food choice determinants, and psychological symptoms; (ii) associations between eating habits, food choice determinants and psychological symptoms. General characteristics, anthropometric data, eating habits before and during the pandemic, food choice determinants and psychological symptoms during the pandemic were collected between June and September, 2020. Participants (n = 1,183) were normal weight (60.4%), overweight (26.2%) and obese (13.4%). A higher frequency of ``cooking{''} (72.3-77.6%, p = 0.004) and ``use of delivery service{''} (29.8-48.8%, p < 0.001) was reported during, in comparison to before the pandemic. Additionally, a higher prevalence of ``snacking{''} (57.1-63.8%, p = 0.005) and ``eating at table{''} (78.5-82.7%, p < 0.001) was reported during the pandemic, while the number of participants reporting ``dieting{''} decreased (28.7-20.4%, p < 0.001). ``Health{''}, ``natural concerns{''} and ``need and hunger{''} were less important determinants for participants with overweight/obesity compared to normal weight. Regression analysis indicated that (i) ``health{''}, ``natural concerns{''} and ``affect regulation{''}; (ii) ``health{''}, ``pleasure{''}, ``convenience{''}, and ``natural concerns{''}; and (iii) ``visual appeal{''} and ``pleasure{''} were the food choice determinants more associated with eating habits among women with normal weight, overweight, and obesity, respectively. In conclusion, eating habits were modified during the pandemic despite BMI, whereas food choice determinants differed between overweight/obesity and normal weight women. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/07860-9 - The influence of exercise training on bone health in patients taking high doses of glucocorticoids
• Grantee: Gabriel Perri Esteves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 17/13552-2 - Reducing sedentary time in clinical populations: the take a stand for health study
• Grantee: Bruno Gualano
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/26937-4 - Studies on physical (in)activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: characterization, associations with disease and effects of breaking up sedentary time
• Grantee: Ana Jéssica Pinto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 19/14819-8 - Promotion of healthy lifestyle in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: assessment of safety, efficiency and feasibility of the study 'Vivendo bem com Lúpus' (Living well with Lupus)
• Grantee: Fabiana Infante Smaira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 19/14820-6 - Healthy lifestyle promotion in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: effects on life quality and psychological aspects
• Grantee: Bruna Caruso Mazzolani
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)