Changes in diet, activity, weight, and wellbeing of parents during COVID-19 lockdown

PLoS One. 2021 Mar 3;16(3):e0248008. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248008. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted lifestyle behaviour as public health initiatives aim to "flatten the curve". This study examined changes in activity patterns (physical activity, sedentary time, sleep), recreational physical activities, diet, weight and wellbeing from before to during COVID-19 restrictions in Adelaide, Australia. This study used data from a prospective cohort of Australian adults (parents of primary school-aged children; n = 61, 66% female, aged 41±6 years). Participants wore a Fitbit Charge 3 activity monitor and weighed themselves daily using Wi-Fi scales. Activity and weight data were extracted for 14 days before (February 2020) and 14 days during (April 2020) COVID-19 restrictions. Participants reported their recreational physical activity, diet and wellbeing during these periods. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine change over time. Participants slept 27 minutes longer (95% CI 9-51), got up 38 minutes later (95% CI 25-50), and did 50 fewer minutes (95% CI -69--29) of light physical activity during COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, participants engaged in more cycling but less swimming, team sports and boating or sailing. Participants consumed a lower percentage of energy from protein (-0.8, 95% CI -1.5--0.1) and a greater percentage of energy from alcohol (0.9, 95% CI 0.2-1.7). There were no changes in weight or wellbeing. Overall, the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on lifestyle were small; however, their impact on health and wellbeing may accumulate over time. Further research examining the effects of ongoing social distancing restrictions are needed as the pandemic continues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Body Weight
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology
  • COVID-19 / psychology*
  • Diet / psychology
  • Diet / trends
  • Exercise / psychology
  • Female
  • Fitness Trackers
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Mental Health
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics / statistics & numerical data
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quarantine / psychology*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / pathogenicity
  • Sedentary Behavior
  • Sleep
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Grants and funding

This research was supported by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (APP1163338). CM is supported by a Career Development Fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council (APP1125913). DD is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council (APP1162166) and Heart Foundation (APP102084) Early Career Fellowship. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.