Changes in eating habits and lifestyles in Peruvian population during social isolation by the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic caused that some governments have implemented house confinement measures with probable consequences on lifestyle, particularly affecting eating habits, physical activity, sleep quality, and mental health. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of lifestyles, physical activity and sleep characteristics, as well as changes in eating habits in the Peruvian population during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A Cross-sectional descriptive study was performed. We analyzed adults from Peru between July to August 2020 based on an online self-administered questionnaire divided into sociodemographic, anthropometrics and COVID-19 diagnostic reported, lifestyle habits and frequency of consumption of foods. Findings During confinement by COVID-19, 1176 participants were studied, 39% were student, 37.5% were workers and 46% were assert not to work. The population asserted gain weight (1 to 3 Kg) and 35.7% were overweight. The lifestyles habits showed that 54.8% affirmed to doing physical activity and a large proportion (37.2%) asserted sleep less. The Peruvian population presented a main feeding patter of breakfast (95.7%), lunch (97.5%), dinner (89.1%) and brunch (44.9%). Likewise, feeding habits before and during COVID-19 pandemic showed that vegetables (OR:1.56, CI95% 1.21 - 200), fruit (OR: 1.42, CI95% 1.10 – 1.81), legumes (OR:1.67, CI95% 1.23 – 2.28) and eggs (OR: 2.00, CI95% 1.52 – 2.65) presented significantly consumption increase during social isolation, while bakery products (OR: 0.74, CI95% 0.56 – 0.97), meat, snack, refreshment and fast-food decrease consumption. Other food no significant differences were presented. Conclusion This study in a Peruvian population showed an important frequency of overweight and sleep disorders. There was a slight increase in physical activity despite the social isolation measures and an increase in health eating habits, nevertheless a majority reported gaining weight.