J Nutr Health.  2023 Jun;56(3):288-299. 10.4163/jnh.2023.56.3.288.

Lifestyle and dietary changes related to weight gain in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Kim J
• Kye S

• KMID: 2544285
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2023.56.3.288

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to assess the weight fluctuations in college students during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and identify lifestyle and dietary changes related to weight gain.
Methods
An online survey was conducted on 270 college students from September 22 to October 26, 2021. A logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship of weight gain with the general characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary changes of the students.
Results
Among the respondents, 42.9% of men and 44.7% of women reported weight gain. The main reasons given for weight gain were reduced activities due to restrictions during lockdown and diet changes, mainly relating to delivered or fast foods. Among the general characteristics and lifestyle factors poor perceived health (odds ratio [OR], 3.97, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.98–7.96) and being underweight (OR, 0.19, 95% CI, 0.05–0.83) were significantly associated with weight gain. With respect to the diet, increased frequency of eating breakfasts (OR, 4.44, 95% CI, 1.76–11.21), decreased frequency of eating snacks (OR, 0.35, 95% CI, 0.16–0.77), decreased frequency of fruit intake (OR, 3.0, 95% CI, 1.32–6.80), increased frequency of carbonated and sweetened beverage intake (OR, 2.74, 95% CI, 1.26–5.99) and increased frequency of fast food consumption (OR, 2.32, 95% CI, 1.14–4.70) were significantly associated with weight gain.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic affected weight gain and caused lifestyle and dietary changes. Specific health and nutrition management plans should be prepared for handling future epidemics of infectious diseases based on the results of surveys conducted on larger sample size.

Keyword

lifestyle; dietary changes; weight gain; COVID-19; college students