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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    College of Nursing, Auburn University, 710 South Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL 36849, USA)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Corinne E. Gautreaux & Kristen S. Smith & Luke Dolan & Michael B. Marlin & Michael W. Greene & Josh R. Novak & Andrew D. Frugé, 2022. "Early Pandemic Improvements in Diet Quality Are Associated with Increased Physical Activity and Weight Loss in US Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-9, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:14:p:8289-:d:857454
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Iris A. Lesser & Carl P. Nienhuis, 2020. "The Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity Behavior and Well-Being of Canadians," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-12, May.
    2. Roberta Zupo & Fabio Castellana & Rodolfo Sardone & Annamaria Sila & Vito Angelo Giagulli & Vincenzo Triggiani & Raffaele Ivan Cincione & Gianluigi Giannelli & Giovanni De Pergola, 2020. "Preliminary Trajectories in Dietary Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Public Health Call to Action to Face Obesity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-15, September.
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