Metabolic risks and prognosis of COVID-19: are dietary patterns important? (Special Issue: The relationship between nutrition and COVID-19.)

Purpose: This study aims to identify the dietary patterns of two groups of subjects (with and without COVID-19), and to assess the relationship of findings with the prognosis of COVID-19 and metabolic risk parameters. Design/methodology/approach: This study included 100 individuals in the age range of 19-65 years. The medical history, and data on biochemical, hematological and inflammatory indicators were retrieved from the files. A questionnaire for the 24-h food record and the food intake frequency was administered in face-to-face interviews, and dietary patterns of subjects were assessed. Findings: In individuals with COVID-19, the hip circumference, the waist-hip ratio and the body fat percentage were significantly higher (p < 0.05), and the muscle mass percentage was significantly lower (p < 0.05). Mediterranean diet adherence screener (MEDAS), dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015) scores were low in the two groups. A linear correlation of DASH scores was found with the muscle mass percentage (p = 0.046) and a significant inverse correlation of with the body fat percentage (p = 0.006). HEI-2015 scores were significantly and negatively correlated with body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference and neck circumference (p < 0.05). Every one-unit increase in MEDAS, DASH and HEI-2015 scores caused reductions in C-reactive protein levels at different magnitudes. Troponin-I was significantly and negatively correlated with fruit intake (p = 0.044), a component of a Mediterranean diet and with HEI-2015 total scores (p = 0.032). Research limitations/implications: The limitation of this study includes the small sample size and the lack of dietary interventions. Another limitation is the use of the food recall method for the assessment of dietary patterns. This way assessments were performed based on participants' memory and statements. Practical implications: Following a healthy diet pattern can help reduce the metabolic risks of COVID-19 disease. Originality/value: Despite these limitations, this study is valuable because, to the best of the authors' knowledge, it is the first study demonstrating the association of dietary patterns with disease prognosis and metabolic risks concerning COVID-19. This study suggests that dietary patterns during the COVID-19 process may be associated with several metabolic risks and inflammatory biomarkers.

COVID-19 and health in children and adolescents in the US: A narrative systematic review.

In the United States, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated nationwide closures of kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) schools. Stay-at-home orders and social distancing mandates were also implemented to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the existing literature on how COVID-19 impacted K-12 students' eating patterns, physical activity, and sleep in the United States. Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search was conducted between October and December 2021. Inclusion criteria were studies focused on COVID-19 and eating patterns, physical activity, and sleep in students enrolled in K-12 schools since March 2020. International studies were excluded. Mixed findings were observed for eating patterns whereby the consumption of unhealthful savory and sweet items and healthful snacks (e.g., fruit and vegetables) increased. Reductions in physical activity and disrupted sleep routines were also observed. Heterogeneity in methodological procedures may limit the generalizability of these findings. In the United States, preliminary data suggest that select health-promoting behaviors were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that prolonged unhealthful eating patterns, physical inactivity, and poor sleep contribute to chronic disease risk, initiatives that increase health-promoting behaviors are warranted.

Health status and dietary patterns in Poland

The main goal of this paper is to evaluate the health status of Poles in the context of their dietary patterns. Results of a desk research study on dietary habits of persons working during the coronavirus pandemic and attitudes of Poles towards meal delivery services provided to the authors by external research institutions were utilized for the purpose of the article. In the framework of practical scientific cooperation, the following reports containing results of research on dietary patterns of people working during the pandemic have been made available for the purpose of this study: "Healthy, speedy or conveniently?" and "Healthy eating". The results were used with retain of copyright and ethical principles. Data analysis led to the conclusion that people have tended to pay more attention to the food intake as well as spend more time on self-preparation of meals during the pandemic. Based on analysis of the study results, a thesis was formulated that during a pandemic, we pay more attention to what we eat, and we also spend more time preparing meals on our own. Assuming that the population of Poland in 2020 was 38,265 thousand people, it could be stated in the light of the study results that almost 650 thousand Poles were on a well-balanced diet adapted to individual consumer needs.

Lifestyle modifications of Chilean adolescents during the first COVID-19 confinement

Background: Confinement is an effective measure to control COVID-19, but it can have repercussions on lifestyle-related behaviors, especially among adolescents. Poor quality diet and low physical activity could trigger weight gain and the appearance of chronic non-communicable diseases at an early age. Aim: To study the changes in eating and physical activity patterns before and during the first COVID-19 confinement in Chilean adolescents. Material and Methods: Chilean adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years were invited to answer an online survey with 47 questions about dietary habits and physical activity. Results: The survey was answered by 420 participants and only four adolescents declined to answer it. Changes in eating patterns were evidenced, such as an increase in lunch consumption from 54.1 to 83%, and a decrease in the consumption of both healthy and unhealthy foods. Also, significant changes were observed in physical activity patterns, and an increase in the time spent sitting, from 4.7 to 5.8 hours during confinement. Conclusions: The first confinement for COVID-19 modified eating and physical activity patterns in Chilean adolescents towards unhealthy habits, which if maintained, could negatively affect their health and quality of life.

3rd International Symposium on Nutrition: Urban Food Policies for Sustainable Nutrition and Health Conference, Online, 27-28 January 2022

This proceedings contains 7 articles that focus on the various issues related to nutrition and health concerning urban food policies. The symposium includes s on several topics, such as the regulation of food advertising, the relationship between the urban foodscape, diet, and health outcomes, the interpretation of observational studies, and the impact of obesity and diet on brain structure and function. Additionally, the issue features meeting reports on plant-rich dietary patterns and their impact on health. Two errata address food insecurity among third-level students in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic and a meeting report on plant-rich dietary patterns and health.

Temporal patterns of sleep and eating among children during school closure in Japan due to COVID-19 pandemic: associations with lifestyle behaviours and dietary intake.

OBJECTIVE: To identify temporal patterns of sleep and eating among school-age children during school closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine their associations with lifestyle behaviours and dietary intake. DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, questionnaires were used to assess sleep and eating times, lifestyle behaviours and dietary intake during school closure. Latent class analysis was performed to identify temporal patterns of sleep and eating based on self-reported clock times for wake-up, going to bed and eating meals. Lifestyle behaviours and dietary intake were compared between latent classes. SETTING: Forty-eight primary and secondary schools in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Totally, 6220 children (aged 8-15 years). RESULTS: Four patterns, labelled 'Very early (20 % of children)', 'Early (24 %)', 'Late (30 %)' and 'Very late (26 %),' were identified and ordered according to the circadian timing. Latter patterns were characterised by later timings of sleep and eating, especially in clock times for wake-up, breakfast and lunch compared with earlier patterns. Children with latter patterns had a less physically active lifestyle, longer screen time (≥4 h/d), shorter study time (<2 h/d) and more frequent skipping of breakfast and lunch than those with earlier patterns. In addition, children with latter patterns had lower intakes of several vitamins, vegetables, fruits, fish and shellfish and dairy products and higher intakes of sugar and confectionaries and sweetened beverages. CONCLUSION: More than half of the participants had later wake-up, breakfast and lunch during school closure, which was associated with more unfavourable lifestyles and dietary intakes.

What happened among Japanese children from school closure due to COVID-19 after school re-opening? Changes in sleep habits and dietary intake.

The present study aimed to (1) examine the changes in sleep habits and dietary intake among school-aged children after the school re-opening from a 3-month closure (without school lunch) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) examine whether the changes differ between those with different temporal patterns of sleep and eating during school closure, namely, 'Very early', 'Early', 'Late' and 'Very late'. The latter patterns were characterised by later timings of wake up, breakfast and lunch. Questionnaires were answered twice by 4084 children (aged 8-15 years), themselves and/or their parents: first in June 2020 (for assessing lifestyle during school closure) and second, from July 2020 to February 2021 (for assessing lifestyle after school opening). After school re-opening, the participants' wake-up time became an hour earlier (95 % CI 1⋅0, 1⋅1) and sleep duration got 0⋅94 h shorter (95 % CI 0⋅91, 0⋅97) than during school closure. An increase in dietary intake was observed for thiamine, vitamin B6, potassium, fruits and dairy products, and a decrease was observed for sugars (as foods) and confectioneries and sweetened beverages, despite small effect sizes (Cohen's d: 0⋅20-0⋅30). Significant changes in wake-up time, sleep duration and sweetened beverage intake were observed among children with the latter temporal patterns. Thus, children wake up earlier and sleep for shorter durations after school re-opening than during school closure; however, changes in dietary intake were generally insignificant. Dietary intake among school-aged children in Japan during school closure (without school lunch) might not be worse than that during school days with universal school lunch.

A Year in the Life of U.S. Frontline Health Care Workers: Impact of COVID-19 on Weight Change, Physical Activity, Lifestyle Habits, and Psychological Factors.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) experienced significantly higher burdens and life demands due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to assess the longitudinal effects among HCWs throughout the pandemic. Qualtrics surveys collected self-reported data on weight changes, eating patterns, physical activity (PA), and psychological factors with data organized by timepoints prior to the pandemic (PP0-prior to March 2020), baseline (M0-January 2021), month 6 (M6-July 2021), and month 12 (M12-January 2022). Eating patterns were negatively impacted at the M0, with reported increases in snacking/grazing (69.7%), fast food/take-out consumption (57.8%), and alcohol (48.8%). However, by M6 and M12 there were no statistically significant differences in eating patterns, suggesting that eating patterns normalized over time. Mean weight increased from PP0 to M0 by 2.99 pounds (p < 0.001, n = 226) and from PP0 to M6 by 2.12 pounds (p < 0.027, n = 146), though the difference in mean weight from PP0 to M12 was not statistically significant (n = 122). PA counts decreased from 8.00 sessions per week PP0 to 6.80 by M0 (p = 0.005) before jumping to 12.00 at M6 (p < 0.001) and 10.67 at M12 (p < 0.001). Psychological factors comparing M0 to M12 found statistically significant differences for depression (p-value = 0.018) and anxiety (p-value = 0.001), meaning depression and anxiety were initially increased but improved by M12. Additionally, higher scores on depression and insomnia scales were associated with lower PA levels. These overall results imply that the COVID-19 pandemic had immediate effects on the eating patterns, weight changes, PA, and psychological factors of HCWs; however, routines and lifestyle habits appeared to have normalized one year later.

UAE University Students’ Dietary Practices and Lifestyles at Times of Covid-19: A Cross Sectional Study

We examinedthe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students’ dietary practices and lifestyles. In this study, the term “dietary practices” refers to people’s choice in food consumption, whereas “lifestyles” refers to their overall habits including both diet and exercise. We followed a quantitative approach through a cross sectional study and collected data from 475 university students in the UAE by means of an online survey. The results of this study indicated that a majority (67%) of the surveyed students seem to have changed their dietary practice for the better and were making healthier life choices. Additionally, it appears that students started leading more active, healthier lifestyles by incorporating exercise in their daily routine. The research concludes with initial suggestions and implications for healthcare practitioners and providing them with information regarding how younger adults in the UAE have behaved during a pandemic. Understanding the results from similar studies will help the health authorities in reshaping policies on nutrition in anticipation of any future pandemics. © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Enviro Research Publishers.

Awareness related to healthy food habits during COVID-19 pandemic - a cross-sectional survey

AIM: To assess the impact of COVID outbreak on food lifestyle among the general population. BACKGROUND: Documentation of the changes in food habits and knowledge about healthy food options creates awareness about better ways of improving immunity during COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among the general population. Random sampling is used to minimize the sampling bias. The standard questionnaire is used and circulated through online mode. SPSS software was used to tabulate and analyze the collected data. The Pearson chi-square test was used to correlate the gender and questions relating to healthy food habits. RESULTS: A total of 103 people were involved in the study. 65% of the participants were males and 35% were females. Majority(90.36%) of the population was aware of a healthy lifestyle and diet;only 9.64% weren't aware. 48.19% of participants agreed that they had reduced their intake of fat or oil related foods and 46.99% to a decrease in intake of fat or oil related foods. On the other hand 46.99% responded to an increase in intake of fat or oil related foods. CONCLUSION: The overall awareness of the study participants were good. It was found that intake of junk foods, stress was increased during covid pandemic which shows that covid pandemic had a negative effect on a healthy food lifestyle.

Eating behavior of students at the Technical University of Moldova during the isolation period

Appetizing peculiarities are formed from childhood and can vary throughout life. Although they are conditioned by genetic factors, over time, the internal regulation of eating behaviors is reduced, being influenced by a complex interaction of various external factors. According to the Behavioral Susceptibility (BST) Theory of Obesity, Food Sensitivity in Response to Food Stimuli (such as Food Sight and Smell) and Satiety Responsiveness (i.e. the ability to adjust diet in response to internal feelings of satiety) contribute to individual differences in terms of energy intake and weight status. The present research intended to assess the eating patterns and behavior of Moldovan students, especially those from Technical University of Moldova during the social isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted, based on the questionnaires (AEBQ - Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire), on a group of 602 students from Technical University of Moldova. Participation in the survey was entirely voluntary, did not involve any invasive procedure, nor did it induce changes in participants' food patterns. The obtained results could contribute to the formation of the database for the study of the behavioral phenotype associated with the risk of obesity, but also for the study of eating behavior in crises. The questionnaire was distributed, in the form of a link, on the corporate emails of all TUM students. Respondents completed the questionnaire on the Google platform between 13.10.2021 - 25.11.2021, and the final database has been downloaded as a Microsoft Excel file. It was established a positive correlation between, Emotional Over-Eating and Emotional Under-Eating. Nervousness and anger were the most incriminating emotions of students that would cause both overeating and under eating. The results of the AEBQ questionnaire appear to be largely in line with previous studies, and the collected data present interest, in particular to prevent the risk of obesity.

Oral Habits during the Lockdown from the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in the Romanian Population.

Background and Objectives: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to changes in population daily patterns. In order to adapt oral health promotion measures for future similar conditions, the main objective of the study was to assess changes in dental hygiene and eating and smoking habits during the government lockdown in Romania. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted immediately after the end of the lockdown and consisted of 800 adult subjects. Data collection was done via an online survey. Participants were divided into two groups: non-medical/dental practitioners (N-M/D group) and medical/dental practitioners (M/D group). Results: An increased use of dental floss from 27% (pre-lockdown) to 30.5% (during lockdown) was identified in the M/D group, while the manual toothbrush usage increased to 64.8% (during lockdown) from 61.7% (pre-lockdown) in the N-MD/group. No significant differences regarding toothbrushing frequency were observed in either group. A change in the number of daily snacks was identified in both groups (3-4 snacks per day: from 11% to 20.2% in the N-M/D group, from 13.1% to 22.2% in the M/D group). The consumption of sweets as a preferred snack was also noticed. A decrease of tobacco consumers was assessed in the lockdown period (from 66.6% to 60.4% in the M/D group, from 68.5% to 61.9% in the N-/M/D group). Conclusions: Oral habits were changed during the pandemic lockdown through the increase in the frequency of the consumption of snacks and sweets and the decrease in frequency of smokers. Only minor changes were observed in oral hygiene.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's eating patterns and parents' anxiety levels: a multi- center study

Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the eating patterns of children as well as parental anxiety on virus transmission along with associated factors in the first month of the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to compare the results to pre-epidemic patterns. Materials and Methods: This study was planned as a multi-center (n=8), cross-sectional study. Informed consent forms and questionnaires were sent to the parents of the children between the ages of 6 and 18 years who applied to the study centers and accepted study participation via e-mail or instant messaging applications.

Lifestyle and dietary habits of high school going students in north-eastern part of Bangladesh during COVID-19 pandemic

Food habits and lifestyle are risk factors of health problem. Moreover, adulthood health depends on adolescent health. A cross-sectional study was designed to know the lifestyle and dietary habits of high school going students during the pandemic. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and data were collected randomly from the students. Descriptive analysis, logistic regression model and factor analysis were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that most of the students fairly follow the lifestyle and dietary habits. It is observed that students who read newspapers daily are 75% more likely to follow the dietary pattern. During a pandemic, most of the high school going students in north-eastern part of Bangladesh were taking protein types food (communality=0.724) and vegetables (communality=0.694) maximum times per week. Students increased their sleeping hours (communality=0.784) and intended to do job (communality=0.781) to help their families during the COVID-19. Moreover, the study also observed some important lifestyle factors like- watching mobile/laptop, connecting social media etc. and most of the students (45%) thought that electronic devices hamper their normal education. Taken together, the findings of this study may be useful to make awareness in the society about the healthy and unhealthy lifestyle as well as food habits. Government and Non-Government organizations should take proper nutritional and health related programs in the high schools that provide healthy lifestyle and food habits for improving the public health sector in Bangladesh.

A Study of United States Registered Dietitian Nutritionists during COVID-19: From Impact to Adaptation.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced an unprecedented health crisis, requiring many Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) to expand their duties and services, while other RDNs faced unemployment, reduced hours, and changes to their work environment. This study evaluated whether the pandemic impacted RDNs' weight, eating behaviors, and psychological factors, and whether professional training as an RDN was perceived as a protective factor in maintaining healthy habits. A 57-item, cross-sectional, online questionnaire including open-ended questions was distributed to RDNs residing in the United States. Over two months (January 2021 to February 2021), 477 RDNs completed the questionnaire. Among RDNs, 68.5% reported no weight change, 21.4% reported weight gain greater than 5 pounds, and 10.3% reported weight loss greater than 5 pounds. Approximately 75% (n = 360) reported their RDN professional training equipped them with the skills needed to maintain healthy eating behaviors. Reduced physical activity and mental health were the top qualitative themes that emerged regarding reasons for weight change. These findings suggest that RDN professional practice skills may have conferred some personal health benefits, as evidenced by smaller weight gains, the maintenance of healthy habits, and fewer reporting psychological effects relative to the general population and other health professionals, thereby limiting the impact of pandemic-induced work and life disruptions.

[Changes in perceived food insecurity and eating behavior in the Netherlands since the COVID-19-crisis]. / Veranderingen in ervaren voedselzekerheid en eetgedrag in Nederland sinds de COVID-19-uitbraak.

In this study we describe changes in perceived food insecurity and eating habits in the Netherlands since the start of the COVID-19-crisis, how these changes were experienced, and which options were indicated for a healthier diet. The study was conducted through online questionnaires among adults with a relatively low socioeconomic position living in the Netherlands. We included 1033 participants. The results show changes in perceived food insecurity in the Netherlands since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, with some participants experiencing lower food security and others experiencing higher food security. About one-fifth of the participants reported that their eating pattern had changed since the start of the COVID-19-crisis, while more than half of the food insecure participants reported a changed eating pattern: in particular, they reported eating less healthily and fewer fruits and vegetables. Participants experiencing food insecurity more often reported to want help for a healthier diet. A cheaper food supply was seen as a promising solution, while food bank use was rarely mentioned in this regard. The COVID-19-crisis can lead to financial insecurity and changes in food availability/accessibility, known risk factors for food insecurity. Therefore, these findings highlight the urgency of reducing food insecurity and providing appropriate support for healthy eating, particularly for people experiencing food insecurity.

Impact of Fear of Contracting COVID-19 and Complying with the Rules of Isolation on Nutritional Behaviors of Polish Adults.

The aim of the study was to examine whether, and to what extent, fear of contracting Covid-19 and compliance with the mandatory rules of isolation affected Polish adults' nutritional behaviors. The online study was carried out during the first wave of the pandemic on a sample of 926 adults. Through cluster analysis, three groups of respondents were isolated: 1. People who fear a Covid-19 infection and follow the isolation rules (FFR), 2. People moderately afraid of the disease and following the rules loosely (MFFR), 3. People who are not afraid of the infection and do not follow the rules of isolation. (NFFR). The clusters were profiled with consideration of different aspects of eating behaviors as well as socio-demographic and economic features. The results of the study show a close relationship between the level of fear of contracting Covid-19 and the degree to which isolation rules are followed. These two factors were found to have a significant impact on eating behaviors, such as food purchases, eating patterns, and levels of consumption. It was stated that the FFR group changed their eating behaviors the most in terms of food purchasing, eating habits (excluding diversity and quality of diet), and food product consumption. The greatest stability in the majority of the analyzed areas of nutritional behaviors was observed in the MFFR cluster. The NFFR group shown the greatest decrease both in regularity and quality of their meals. This group also exhibited a significant increase in the consumption of alcoholic beverages. The results of the study can be useful in the decision making process when introducing restrictions or managing information. They also point to the need for extensive nutritional education focused on explaining the relationship between nutrition and health during a pandemic.