Eating Habits and Diet Diversity of Saudi Arabia Residents during the COVID-19 locked-down

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on overall health and well-being. Therefore, certain preventive measures may affect many lifestyle habits. This study aimed to explore the eating habits, food variety score (FVS), and diet diversity score (DDS) of adults residing in Saudi Arabia during the mandatory stay-at-home advisory for COVID-19. A cross sectional study was targeted adults living in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 lockdown (May – June 2020). An electronic self-reported survey was conducted through Research Electronic Data Capture (Redcap) distributed on social media platforms. The Arabic version of the questionnaire was previously evaluated for its reliability and validity. A total of 359 individuals who completed the food frequency questionnaire were included in the study. Diet diversity score (DDS) and food variety score (FVS) was calculated. The study found that the distribution of FVS ranged between 4-27 food items. The distribution of DDS ranged between 3-14 food items. Income, working status, and living status were factors associated with the FVS and/or DDS. The majority of the cohort (>67%) had at least one snack/day and < 3 meals/day. Diet diversity was acceptable among Saudi adults during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Age, sex, having children, marital status, education level, and income were factors associated with diet diversity and eating habits (having breakfast, skipping meals, and number of snacks). © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Enviro Research Publishers.

Results of Adaptation of the Diagnostic Tool for Measuring Changes in the Eating Behavior of Russians during COVID-19 Pandemic

Against the backdrop of a biogenic threat (coronavirus infection), many people tried to strengthen control over their life, in particular, in eating behavior, or, on the contrary, turned it into uncontrolled autotherapy. To study changes in eating behavior and related lifestyle changes, a compact scaled questionnaire instrument by Indian colleagues was chosen (Kumari et al., 2020). To adapt the questionnaire and diagnose changes in the eating behavior of Russians, an empirical study was performed (827 respondents from 17 to 75 years old) against the backdrop of the second wave of the pandemic (November 2020 - January 2021). The research toolkit also included a modified (short) version of T.A. Nestik's "Attitude to the epidemiological threat", supplemented by the question of attitude to the requirements of self-isolation, and the technique "Time attitudes" by J. Nuttin modified by K. Muzdybaev. The results of the study allowed us to confirm the construct validity and reliability of the questionnaire on changes in eating behavior during the pandemic, as well as to identify the optimal (health, immunity, performance) and non-optimal behavioral strategies. In addition, it was shown that respondents with a behavioral strategy that has changed in favor of a healthy lifestyle have a more positive attitude towards their past and future, and a more meaningful attitude towards the present. They approach the demands of self-isolation more positively and more constructively, in particular by trying to reduce the threats of the situation at the level of eating behavior, which, in turn, contributes to their greater emotional stability.

Results of Adaptation of the Diagnostic Tool for Measuring Changes in the Eating Behavior of Russians during COVID-19 Pandemic

Against the backdrop of a biogenic threat (coronavirus infection), many people tried to strengthen control over their life, in particular, in eating behavior, or, on the contrary, turned it into uncontrolled autotherapy. To study changes in eating behavior and related lifestyle changes, a compact scaled questionnaire instrument by Indian colleagues was chosen (Kumari et al., 2020). To adapt the questionnaire and diagnose changes in the eating behavior of Russians, an empirical study was performed (827 respondents from 17 to 75 years old) against the backdrop of the second wave of the pandemic (November 2020 — January 2021). The research toolkit also included a modified (short) version of T.A. Nestik's "Attitude to the epidemiological threat”, supplemented by the question of attitude to the requirements of self-isolation, and the technique "Time attitudes” by J. Nuttin modified by K. Muzdybaev. The results of the study allowed us to confirm the construct validity and reliability of the questionnaire on changes in eating behavior during the pandemic, as well as to identify the optimal (health, immunity, performance) and non-optimal behavioral strategies. In addition, it was shown that respondents with a behavioral strategy that has changed in favor of a healthy lifestyle have a more positive attitude towards their past and future, and a more meaningful attitude towards the present. They approach the demands of self-isolation more positively and more constructively, in particular by trying to reduce the threats of the situation at the level of eating behavior, which, in turn, contributes to their greater emotional stability. © 2022 National Research University Higher School of Economics. All rights reserved.

Results of Adaptation of the Diagnostic Tool for Measuring Changes in the Eating Behavior of Russians during COVID-19 Pandemic

Against the backdrop of a biogenic threat (coronavirus infection), many people tried to strengthen control over their life, in particular, in eating behavior, or, on the contrary, turned it into uncontrolled autotherapy. To study changes in eating behavior and related lifestyle changes, a compact scaled questionnaire instrument by Indian colleagues was chosen (Kumari et al., 2020). To adapt the questionnaire and diagnose changes in the eating behavior of Russians, an empirical study was performed (827 respondents from 17 to 75 years old) against the backdrop of the second wave of the pandemic (November 2020 — January 2021). The research toolkit also included a modified (short) version of T.A. Nestik's "Attitude to the epidemiological threat”, supplemented by the question of attitude to the requirements of self-isolation, and the technique "Time attitudes” by J. Nuttin modified by K. Muzdybaev. The results of the study allowed us to confirm the construct validity and reliability of the questionnaire on changes in eating behavior during the pandemic, as well as to identify the optimal (health, immunity, performance) and non-optimal behavioral strategies. In addition, it was shown that respondents with a behavioral strategy that has changed in favor of a healthy lifestyle have a more positive attitude towards their past and future, and a more meaningful attitude towards the present. They approach the demands of self-isolation more positively and more constructively, in particular by trying to reduce the threats of the situation at the level of eating behavior, which, in turn, contributes to their greater emotional stability. © 2022 National Research University Higher School of Economics. All rights reserved.

Low Dietary Variety Is Associated with Incident Frailty in Older Adults during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Prospective Cohort Study in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Stagnation of social activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic probably reduces motivation to maintain a healthy diet. It is important to report on the dietary changes observed in older adults during a period of restriction on outings and to clarify the relationship between dietary variety and frailty. This one-year follow-up study examined the association between frailty and dietary variety during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Baseline and follow-up surveys were conducted in August 2020 and August 2021, respectively. The follow-up survey was distributed by mail to 1635 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years. Of the 1235 respondents, 1008 respondents who were non-frail at baseline are included in this study. Dietary variety was examined using a dietary variety score developed for older adults. Frailty was assessed using a five-item frailty screening tool. The outcome was frailty incidence. RESULTS: In our sample, 108 subjects developed frailty. A linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between dietary variety score and frailty score (ß, -0.032; 95% CI, -0.064 to -0.001; p = 0.046). This association was also significant in Model 1, adjusted for sex and age, (ß, -0.051; 95% CI, -0.083 to -0.019; p = 0.002) and in a multivariate analysis that added adjustments for living alone, smoking, alcohol use, BMI, and existing conditions to Model 1 (ß, -0.045; 95% CI, -0.078 to -0.012; p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: A low dietary variety score was associated with an increased frailty score during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restricted daily routine caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will probably continue to have a long-term effect in terms of reduced dietary variety. Thus, vulnerable populations, such as older adults, might require dietary support.

Results of Adaptation of the Diagnostic Tool for Measuring Changes in the Eating Behavior of Russians during COVID-19 Pandemic

Against the backdrop of a biogenic threat (coronavirus infection), many people tried to strengthen control over their life, in particular, in eating behavior, or, on the contrary, turned it into uncontrolled autotherapy. To study changes in eating behavior and related lifestyle changes, a compact scaled questionnaire instrument by Indian colleagues was chosen (Kumari et al., 2020). To adapt the questionnaire and diagnose changes in the eating behavior of Russians, an empirical study was performed (827 respondents from 17 to 75 years old) against the backdrop of the second wave of the pandemic (November 2020 - January 2021). The research toolkit also included a modified (short) version of T.A. Nestik's "Attitude to the epidemiological threat", supplemented by the question of attitude to the requirements of self-isolation, and the technique "Time attitudes" by J. Nuttin modified by K. Muzdybaev. The results of the study allowed us to confirm the construct validity and reliability of the questionnaire on changes in eating behavior during the pandemic, as well as to identify the optimal (health, immunity, performance) and non-optimal behavioral strategies. In addition, it was shown that respondents with a behavioral strategy that has changed in favor of a healthy lifestyle have a more positive attitude towards their past and future, and a more meaningful attitude towards the present. They approach the demands of self-isolation more positively and more constructively, in particular by trying to reduce the threats of the situation at the level of eating behavior, which, in turn, contributes to their greater emotional stability.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic causes a dysfunctional dietary behavior: A German cross-sectional study.

Background: Since the COVID-19 pandemic has been affected our daily lives, the global population has been exposed to permanent concerns and thus might suffer from the psychological burden. It is well known that psychological burdens can affect dietary behavior. Aim: The impact of a psychological burden on people, and in particular on their dietary patterns was investigated in this nationawide cross-sectional study. Methods: 7525 participants responded to the questionnaire regarding the psychological burden concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and their current dietary structure with changes in the pattern and food amount (between November 2020 and March 2021). Results: A pandemic-related dysfunction of dietary behavior was found. Some participants reported restrictive (conscious) food intake and as well impulsive food intake, which can be described as dysfunctional eating behaviors. In particular, younger persons and individuals who claimed an increased psychological burden reported dysfunctional dietary behavior. Data clearly show that psychological burdens affect an individual's dietary behavior. Conclusion: Public health strategies have to be developed to support individuals at risk to improve coping strategies. The long-term aim should be avoiding the maintenance of dysfunctional dietary behavior.

Study Protocol of "Sustainably Healthy-From Science 2 Highschool & University"-Prevalence of Mixed, Vegetarian, and Vegan Diets Linked to Sports & Exercise among Austrian Tertiary Students and Lecturers/Academic Staff.

Healthy lifestyle is the major indicator of individual and public health especially in target populations (e.g., during emerging adulthood). Evidence indicates that unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are strongly associated with the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. The dual approach of sustainable health (i.e., physical exercise tied to a healthy diet) is an effective lifestyle strategy to control and manage health-related disorders, including overweight/obesity. Based on the evidence on plant-based diets regarding health and considering the growing prevalence of vegans and vegetarians worldwide, limited data exist on the health-related behaviors of those who follow plant-based vs. mixed diets in young adulthood. This multidisciplinary study is the first to examine the association between diet type (mixed, vegetarian, and vegan diets) and various health-related behaviors (primarily physical activity, sport, & exercise) among college/university students and lecturers/academic staff in Austria nationwide. Following a cross-sectional study design and using online questionnaires, 4510 tertiary students and 1043 lecturers/academic staff provided data on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary patterns, physical exercise habits, and other lifestyle behaviors (sleep, alcohol intake, smoking, etc.) along with information on health status and quality of life. While the data will be analyzed based on differentiated sociodemographic and health-related categories, the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle behaviors will also be evaluated. As a study protocol, this article represents comprehensive details of the design, purposes, and associated analytical measures of the present study within the tertiary educational context.

Working from Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Effects on Diet, Sedentary Lifestyle, and Stress.

Many companies switched to working from home (WFH) after the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aimed to examine the changes in dietary behavior, body weight, sedentary lifestyle, and stress in individuals who practice WFH. A cross-sectional, web-based questionnaire was administered between March and May 2021 and included socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, WFH arrangement, changes in diet, sedentary lifestyle, and stress status. A total of 328 individuals (260 women, 68 men), aged 31.3 ± 8.3 years with a BMI of 24.9 ± 4.6 kg/m2, participated in the study. The questionnaire revealed that the daily working time increased with WFH. The majority of the individuals (59.1%) gained weight. The average daily sedentary time and the Perceived Stress Scale score increased significantly. The daily sedentary time and Non-Healthy Diet Index scores were higher in individuals who gained weight (p < 0.05). A multinominal regression model revealed that increased body weight was less likely in individuals with underweight and normal BMI classifications. Normal BMI, stable work shifts, and no physical activity were positive predictors for gaining weight. These results suggest that WFH may have significant negative effects on physical and mental status of individuals.

Impacts of Self-Efficacy on Food and Dietary Choices during the First COVID-19 Lockdown in China.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global public health emergency, increasing the prevalence of emotional distress, and potentially leading to altered diet behavior. Self-efficacy measures various aspects of perceiving and understanding emotions. The present study was carried out with the objective of understanding the effect of emotional self-efficacy on dietary behavior and quality. It also shed light on which elements contributed to the link between food-related behavior and perceived dietary quality during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the factor analysis of nineteen food groups, choices, consumption, and socioeconomic status were examined in a sample of 441 Chinese participants. Multiple linear regression examined the association between food consumption, dietary quality, and self-efficacy. Contrary to prior research, the intake of salty snacks and alcoholic beverages dropped by 3.3% and 2.8%, respectively, during the first lockdown. Emotional self-efficacy negatively mediated the relationship between socioeconomic status and dietary quality. In conclusion, emotional self-efficacy is a well-established tool for evaluating how Chinese people cope with negative emotions. As an individual's dietary quality was affected during the imposed lockdown, the present study offers valuable insight into psychosocial factors that may contribute to health disparities by advocating for organized nutritional support in future epidemic-related quarantines.

Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Confidence on Dietary Practices among Chinese Residents.

Healthy diets promote immune functions and have been shown to reduce COVID-19 severity. In 2021, COVID-19 vaccines have become available to the general public. However, whether vaccination status could affect individual and populational health behaviors is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of vaccination status and confidence on dietary practices. An online survey was conducted in August 2021. We collected data on dietary intake, diversity and behaviors, vaccination status and confidence and socio-demographic characteristics. Among the 5107 responses received, a total of 4873 study participants were included in the final analysis. Most of our participants aged between 18 and 45 years and 82% of them were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Household level dietary diversity was found to be higher among people who were fully vaccinated (ß = 0.321, 95%CI: 0.024 to 0.618) or who were more confident in the protectiveness of the vaccine (ß for tertile 3 comparing with lowest tertile = 0.544, 95%CI: 0.407, 0.682). Vaccination promoted the intake of seafood, but it was also positively associated with the consumption of sugar, preserved, fried and barbequed foods and reduced vegetable intake. Higher vaccination confidence was associated with increased consumption of seafood, bean, fruits and vegetables and reduced fat intake. Changes in dietary behaviors compared with early 2021 (when vaccination was not common) were observed and differed by vaccination status and confidence level. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination status and confidence had varied, and possibly negative, impacts on dietary intake and behaviors. Our results suggest that vaccination status and confidence might be significant influencing factors affecting people's health behaviors and highlight that healthy eating should be consistently promoted to prevent poor dietary practices during global health crisis.

Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Confidence on Dietary Practices among Chinese Residents

Healthy diets promote immune functions and have been shown to reduce COVID-19 severity. In 2021, COVID-19 vaccines have become available to the general public. However, whether vaccination status could affect individual and populational health behaviors is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of vaccination status and confidence on dietary practices. An online survey was conducted in August 2021. We collected data on dietary intake, diversity and behaviors, vaccination status and confidence and socio-demographic characteristics. Among the 5107 responses received, a total of 4873 study participants were included in the final analysis. Most of our participants aged between 18 and 45 years and 82% of them were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Household level dietary diversity was found to be higher among people who were fully vaccinated (β = 0.321, 95%CI: 0.024 to 0.618) or who were more confident in the protectiveness of the vaccine (β for tertile 3 comparing with lowest tertile = 0.544, 95%CI: 0.407, 0.682). Vaccination promoted the intake of seafood, but it was also positively associated with the consumption of sugar, preserved, fried and barbequed foods and reduced vegetable intake. Higher vaccination confidence was associated with increased consumption of seafood, bean, fruits and vegetables and reduced fat intake. Changes in dietary behaviors compared with early 2021 (when vaccination was not common) were observed and differed by vaccination status and confidence level. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination status and confidence had varied, and possibly negative, impacts on dietary intake and behaviors. Our results suggest that vaccination status and confidence might be significant influencing factors affecting people’s health behaviors and highlight that healthy eating should be consistently promoted to prevent poor dietary practices during global health crisis.

Living through the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact and Lessons on Dietary Behavior and Physical Well-Being.

The aim of this review is to highlight the spectrum on which human behavior has been affected by blanket restriction measures and on a wider scale, the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the human behaviors that have been impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown are dietary behavior and nutrition, food options and food delivery usage, physical activity and sedentary behaviors. This is important in planning effective public health strategies with minimal detriment to all subsets of society as well as improving the distribution of government aid to populations that are more severely affected. Our main purpose is to present the literature from a rapidly growing pool of scientific research to hopefully enable a better and more comprehensive understanding of the effects of this pandemic and the lessons learnt from the accompanying restrictions, as well as policy recommendations that can be made in national pandemic responses in the future.

Effects of COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine period on physical activity and dietary habits of college-aged students.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to sudden extreme changes in lifestyle, potentially causing adverse changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and dietary habits. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of COVID-19 quarantine on physical activity, dietary habits, and food insecurity among college students who were impacted by the quarantine periods and campus closures. The findings of the study will provide preliminary evidence on dietary, physical activity, and sedentary behavior changes induced by the pandemic among college students. Participants (n â€‹= â€‹403) completed a cross-sectional self-report online questionnaire, evaluating the physical activity, sedentary behavior, and dietary behaviors before- and during-COVID-19 campus closures (March-May 2020). Sociodemographic and descriptive information was also obtained from each participant. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and dietary habits. McNemar's test was used to compare food insecurity changes. Data were presented as median and interquartile range. A total of 291 participants who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study (college-aged, 18-24 years). Physical activity decreased at vigorous (2 days/week to 1 day/week, p â€‹< â€‹0.001), moderate (4 days/week to 1 day/week, p â€‹< â€‹0.001), and light (4 days/week to 2 days/week, p â€‹< â€‹0.001) intensity levels, while sedentary behavior increased (4 â€‹h/day to 7 â€‹h/day, p â€‹< â€‹0.001) from pre-to during-COVID-19 quarantine period. Frequencies of meals at home and alcohol consumption increased (Z â€‹= â€‹-3.911 and Z â€‹= â€‹-4.022, p â€‹< â€‹0.001), while frequency of fruit consumption decreased (Z â€‹= â€‹-2.116, p â€‹< â€‹0.001) from pre-to during-COVID-19 quarantine period. Daily alcohol intake also increased during COVID-19 quarantine period (Z â€‹= â€‹-4.442, p â€‹< â€‹0.001). Lastly, the percentage of individuals reporting food insecurity significantly increased during COVID-19 quarantine (p â€‹< â€‹0.001). College-aged students in quarantine significantly decreased physical activity participation and increased sedentary behavior. Changes in dietary habits were observed, including increased meals at home, alcohol consumption, and decreased fruit consumption. Food insecurity also doubled among college-aged students during quarantine. Public health strategies to attenuate these changes in lifestyle habits should be implemented during a global pandemic.

Trends in Coffee and Tea Consumption during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Over the last two years, many countries have enforced confinement to limit both the spread of COVID-19 and the demand for medical care. Confinement has resulted in a disruption of work routines, boredom, depression, and changes in eating habits, among them consumption of coffee and tea. Following six databases, we examined articles tracking consumption of these beverages. Out of 472 articles, including 23 beverage entries, 13 matched our criteria. While no clear trend in coffee consumption during the coronavirus pandemic emerged (7 of 13 studies indicated an increase, accounting for 53.8%), tea consumption clearly increased (70% versus 30%). Considering the global health emergency continuum, more research is needed to better understand the paths underlying food choices and the ways those changes may influence health outcomes, including those related to COVID-19 disease.

Social Isolation and Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on Weight.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Social isolation and loneliness have long been identified as risk factors for poorer physical and mental health and increased mortality. These factors have also been shown to impact dietary behavior and physical activity which play a role in precipitating and maintaining obesity. Less is known about the impact of social isolation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic in which social distancing is a major component of public health initiatives. This narrative review will examine the existing literature on the relationships between social isolation, loneliness, mental health, and weight as they relate to the COVID-19 pandemic. RECENT FINDINGS: Individuals with obesity are at very high risk for worsening course of COVID-19, hospitalization, and death. This population may also be more significantly impacted by the dietary and physical activity consequences resulting from lockdown, social distancing, and isolation. The pandemic has led to significant lifestyle disruptions. However, early studies have largely relied upon cross-sectional studies or convenience samples. Future research will need to study the impact more rigorously, particularly among populations at greatest risk.

Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Physical Activity and Dietary Behaviors in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about drastic measures that have significantly altered the norms of daily living. These measures have affected human behaviors in disparate ways. This study seeks to understand the impact of the pandemic on physical activity and dietary behavior among adults living in Kuwait. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 18 June and 15 July 2020, using a questionnaire disseminated through social media, including WhatsApp and Facebook. The target population was individuals aged 21 years or older living in the State of Kuwait. The study included 679 respondents; 57.9% were females, and 67.7% were Kuwaiti nationals. Both genders reported an increased consumption of vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates, and a decreased consumption of fish and sugary drinks. Compared to males, females reported eating more during the outbreak than their pre-pandemic eating behaviors (32.3% vs. 35.9%, p < 0.05). Approximately one-third of respondents (33.1%) reported performing less than 30 min of physical activity or exercise in a week, and 36.4% of respondents rated their quality of sleep as 'poor' or 'very poor'. The rate of smoking cigarettes among males was significantly higher than in females (40.6% vs. 5.3%, p < 0.001). Physical activity was positively correlated with vegetable consumption and quality of sleep. Quality of sleep was negatively correlated with the consumption of sweets and snacks, just as the consumption of vegetables was negatively correlated with the consumption of sugary drinks. The overall negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait necessitates the development of health promotion interventions to support positive physical activity and dietary behaviors using alternative coping strategies among the residents of Kuwait.

Effects of Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Anxiety and Eating Behavior-A Longitudinal Study.

As social animals, humans need to live in groups. This contact with conspecifics is essential for their evolution and survival. Among the recommendations to reduce transmission of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for COVID-19 are social distancing and home confinement. These measures may negatively affect the social life and, consequently, the emotional state and eating behavior of individuals. We assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the anxiety, premenstrual symptoms, and eating behavior of young women. Data collection was conducted in person (prepandemic-from March to December 2019) and online (during the pandemic-August 2020). A total of 71 participants, average age of 21.26 years (SD = 0.41), took part in the study. Trait anxiety during the pandemic was significantly lower than in the prepandemic period. Investigation of the "anxiety/stress" symptom of the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) revealed that this symptom was more severe before the pandemic. There was a decline in the desire for sweet and fatty foods during the pandemic. However, craving for traditional foods rose significantly in the same period. Uncontrolled and emotional eating were significantly lower during the pandemic. The results suggest that the pandemic may have had a positive impact on anxiety and eating behavior of the participants, which may be due to differences between urban and rural populations and the latter living with their families. These findings are important for raising a discussion regarding the effects of the current environment on the regulation of cognitive and dietary adaptations.

Dietary intake of university students during COVID-19 social distancing in the Northeast of Brazil and associated factors.

This study aimed to analyze the influence of COVID-19 social distancing on the dietary pattern of university students in the Northeast of Brazil and associated factors. This is a cross-sectional study of 955 students from four universities carried out via a web survey containing social, economic, demographic, and health information. A food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate diet. Weight and dietary alterations were reported. Exploratory factor analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used as statistical analyses. The mean age was 26 and 53.7% of the students observed an increase in their weight. Four dietary patterns were identified: (1) a predominantly in natura pattern, (2) a pattern of processed and ultra-processed foods, (3) a protein-based pattern, and (4) an infusion-based pattern. It was observed that students having a darker skin colour (OR 1.8; CI 95% 1.3-2.6) and 19-29 years old and not being a health course student (OR 1.5; CI 95% 1.1-2.1) were associated with greater adhesion to the in natura pattern. Not engaging in physical activity was statistically associated with not adhering (OR 0.5; CI 95% 0.4-0.7) to that pattern. The university students who saw an alteration in their weight during the social distancing period studied presented a greater probability of consuming the processed and ultra-processed foods pattern (OR 1.8; CI 95% 1.2-2.6), while the men (OR 0.7; CI 95% 0.4-0.9) and those not engaging in physical activity (OR 0.7; CI 95% 0.5-0.9) presented less adhesion to that pattern. These findings indicate that social isolation affected the dietary intake of university students, with adhesion to mixed dietary patterns in terms of health. The adhesion to the pattern of processed and ultra-processed foods identified may affect the students' health, especially the occurrence of excess weight and obesity.