The Impact of COVID-19-Related Living Restrictions on Eating Behaviours in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the imposition of physical and social distancing measures worldwide. Emerging data suggest that younger age groups may be particularly vulnerable to the adverse mental health impacts of the pandemic. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an unprecedented increase in demand for child and adolescent eating disorder services. The aim of this review was to systematically review and appraise the current literature on the impact of COVID-19-related living restrictions on the eating behaviours of children and adolescents. Searches of eight electronic databases were conducted in March 2021 and December 2021 for published and grey literature on eating behaviours of population samples of children and adolescents (aged 18 months to 18 years old) who were exposed to COVID-19-related living restrictions. Of 3165 retrieved references, sixteen studies were included in this review, comprising data from 125, 286 participants. There was a pattern towards healthier eating behaviours among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, young people from lower socioeconomic groups showed a tendency towards more unhealthy eating behaviours, and there was an association between mood difficulties and greater changes in eating; this suggests that such groups may be more vulnerable to the adverse health consequences of lockdowns.