Early Pandemic Improvements in Diet Quality Are Associated with Increased Physical Activity and Weight Loss in US Adults

Corinne E. Gautreaux, Kristen S. Smith, Luke Dolan, Michael B. Marlin, Michael W. Greene, Josh R. Novak and Andrew D. Frugé
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Corinne E. Gautreaux: College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, 315 Roosevelt Concourse, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
Kristen S. Smith: College of Human Sciences, Auburn University, 260 Mell Street, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
Luke Dolan: Office of the Dean of Students, University of Alabama, 751 Campus Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
Michael B. Marlin: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
Michael W. Greene: College of Human Sciences, Auburn University, 260 Mell Street, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
Josh R. Novak: College of Human Sciences, Auburn University, 260 Mell Street, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
Andrew D. Frugé: College of Human Sciences, Auburn University, 260 Mell Street, Auburn, AL 36849, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 14, 1-9

Abstract: In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to restricted vocational (Voc-PA) and recreational physical activity (Rec-PA) outside of the home. We conducted a nation-wide survey in the United States (US) during the mitigation peak of the pandemic (June 2020) to assess health-related changes from the previous year. A diet quality (DQ) assessment tool weighted the relative healthfulness of eating occasions from foods prepared-at-home (Home) and away-from-home (Away). Previously-validated instruments assessed PA and demographic variables; height/weight were self-reported to calculate body mass index (BMI). T-tests explored longitudinal, between-sex, and obesity status differences in DQ, PA, and BMI; Pearson correlations explored associations. Of 1648 respondents, 814 valid responses (56.8% female, 81.7% white) were analyzed. Overall and Home DQ was higher for females than males in 2020 ( p < 0.001 for both). Respondents increased DQ from 2019 to 2020, primarily from Away ( p < 0.001 for both sexes). Total Rec-PA and Voc-PA was higher in males ( p = 0.002, p < 0.001) than females in 2020; females reported higher other PA ( p = 0.001). Change in BMI was inversely associated with change in both DQ and PA ( p < 0.001 for both). In this sample of US adults, early adaptations to the COVID-19 pandemic included improved DQ and BMI. Whether these short-term improvements were maintained warrant further investigation.

Keywords: diet; physical activity; pandemic; COVID-19; body mass index (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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