Changes in eating habits during lockdown period due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain

Background: The lockout of borders, lockdown of the population and social isolation are key measures adopted in many countries to contain the COVID-19 pandemic This study describes changes in eating habits and other lifestyles during confinement in a population group in Spain Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on a convenience sample of people aged 18 yr and over, recruited online between April 21 and May 8, 2020 (weeks 6-8 of lockdown) in Spain (n = 1036) The protocol considered sociodemographic data, characteristics of confinement, usual food consumption and physical activity, and changes during confinement Results: Most frequently reported changes in dietary habits are increased consumption of fruit (27%), eggs (25 4%), legumes (22 5%), vegetables (21%) and fish (20%) and reduced consumption of processed meats (35 5%), lamb or rabbit (32%), pizza (32 6%), distilled alcoholic beverages (44 2%), sugary drinks (32 8%) or chocolate (25 8%) Some differences were observed depending on age and adequacy of the usual diet Some 14 1% who do not usually cook do so during this period;15% do not do physical exercise, 24 6% sit more than 9 hours a day and 30 7% of smokers (14 7%) report increased tobacco use 37% reported not sleeping well Conclusions: Participants in this study report dietary changes during lockdown in Spain with a trend towards greater consumption of healthier foods, less consumption of foods of poor nutritional interest and an increase in the practice of cooking at home © 2020 Sociedad Espanola de Nutricion Comunitaria All rights reserved