Objectives: The objective of the current study was to assess the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) curfew restrictions on the body mass index (BMI) and dietary and physical activity behaviors of Saudi adults.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire in Saudi Arabia in May and June 2020, during the curfew restriction period. The questionnaire included three sections with questions regarding sociodemographic data, dietary behaviors, and moderate and vigorous activities.
Results: A total of 504 Saudi adults participated in this study. Even though there were no significant differences in the BMI status before and during COVID-19 curfew restrictions, the percentage of overweight participants slightly increased during the period of COVID-19 curfew restrictions. The frequency of intake of fruits and beverages were significantly increased (p<0.05), whereas the consumption of meat and fish, bread and cereals, and sandwiches and burgers showed a significant reduction (p=0.001). Although the overall percentage of participants engaged in moderate physical activities increased during curfew restrictions, there was a reduction in vigorous physical activities.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated changes in BMI and dietary and physical activity behaviors due to the COVID-19 curfew restrictions.
Keywords: body mass index; covid-19; diet; pandemic; physical activity.
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