Alterations in Dietary Behavior, Appetite Regulation, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Youth with Obesity in Germany During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Overview

Journal Nutrients

Date 2023 Jul 14

PMID 37447261

Authors

Nora Struckmeyer

Torben Biester

Olga Kordonouri

Chantal Weiner

Evelin Sadeghian

Cathrin Guntermann

Kerstin Kapitzke

Jantje Weiskorn

Laura Galuschka

Kisa von Stuelpnagel

Daniela Meister

Karin Lange

Thomas Danne

Felix Reschke

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nutritional patterns, eating behavior, dietary content, and health-related quality of life (HrQoL) of adolescents with preexisting obesity.

Methods: Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were measured, and validated questionnaires on eating habits, nutritional content, and HrQoL were administered to 264 adolescents with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic (June 2020-June 2022) and 265 adolescents with obesity before the pandemic (from June 2017 to June 2019).

Results: Both study cohorts were comparable in age and sex distribution. Significant differences were found between the COVID-19 and pre-COVID-19 cohorts in HOMA-index (3.8 (interquartile range [IQR])): 3.3; 4.1) vs. 3.2 (IQR: 2.8; 3.5, < 0.001), total cholesterol (208.8 mg/dL (IQR: 189.9; 214.5) vs. 198.5 mg/dL (IQR: 189.5; 207.4), < 0.001), and GPT (93.4 (IQR 88.7; 96.5) vs. 72.8 U/L (IQR 68.9; 75.7), < 0.001). The COVID-19 cohort reported significantly higher consumption of obesity-promoting food components, such as soft drinks, meat, sausages, fast food and delivery food, chocolate, and sweets. There was also a significant decrease in cognitive hunger control ( = 0.002) and an increase in distractibility potential ( = 0.001) while eating. HrQoL was significantly lower in the COVID-19 cohort ( = 0.001).

Conclusions: This study reveals the adverse associations of exposure to the public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic with nutrition, dietary content, and HrQoL in adolescents with preexisting obesity. These findings underscore the importance of tailored preventive and treatment strategies for addressing the specific challenges of disruptive events such as pandemics, especially in population-based context.

Citing Articles

Neuropsychological Symptoms and Quality of Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Children: A Survey in a Pediatric Population in the Abruzzo Region, Italy.

Marcotullio C, Attanasi M, Porreca A, Di Filippo P, Matricardi S, Venanzi A Children (Basel). 2024; 11(5).

PMID: 38790527 PMC: 11119843. DOI: 10.3390/children11050532.

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