A web-based survey- impact of covid-19 lockdown on eating behavior of urban middle-aged people

Background: In the present scenario of Covid-19 lockdown, physical inactivity has risen remarkably. Unhealthy binging is on a rise due to erratic working hours and consuming comfort foods. Combating stress, anxiety, and boredom with desserts and high-calorie food is a commonly noted behavioral pattern. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of paradoxical diet patterns on obesity during this phase of lockdown. Objective(s): The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on eating behavior of urban middle-aged people. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and eighty-two participants were recruited for the study as per inclusion and exclusion criteria via an online based pre validated and pre designed questionnaire. The study period was for 5 months and the outcome measure used was a three factor-eating questionnaire. Results: It was observed that out of 382 participants more cognitive restraint was seen in the age group of 45-50 years (29.8%) whereas more uncontrolled eating and emotional eating was observed in 55-60 years with 106.5% and 42.7% respectively. Conclusion: The study results showed that there was an impact of COVID-19 lockdown on eating behavior of urban middle-aged people in terms of cognitive restraint, uncontrolled and emotional eating.