Scoping Study: Changes in Dietary Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Eating behaviors are complicated and often influenced by several factors. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several restrictive measures were taken to address the multifaceted impact of this disease. As a result, the lifestyle of people, and especially their eating habits were significantly disrupted. Eating and diet are major concerns and need careful management as they can have a huge impact on people’s lives and day-to-day functioning. The aim of this systematic mapping study is to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s eating behaviors. More specifically, we compared people’s eating behaviors before and after the outbreak of the pandemic. A total of 21 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The main findings provided information on a dietary shift towards modified eating behaviors; characterized by increased consumption of snacks and a preference for sweet and processed foods instead of fruits, vegetables, and fresh foods. In some countries, an increase in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic was also identified. These findings concern the need for more robust public health policies and strategies focusing on prevention and nutrition education.