Obesity, Eating Habits, and Physical Activity before and during Covid-19 Pandemic among University Lecturers

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes to the lives of individuals around the world. Malaysia has implemented restrictions as response to the pandemic and the effects are felt by all parties, including lecturers. This study aims to investigate the impact of the lockdown on the prevalence of obesity, body weight, physical activity and eating habits of university lecturers in Malaysia. A self-reported questionnaire was distributed to lecturers of different universities in Malaysia. The questionnaire involves 2 main sections. The first section records the participants’ physical activity level before and during the pandemic while the second section records the changes in eating habits. 323 eligible responses were analyzed, 13.9% of participants were obese and 27.6 were overweight before the pandemic. Significant weight change was recorded as the mean weight increased by 0.57 ± 0.56 kg during the pandemic. Physical activity level decreased from 1.67 ± 0.17 to 1.60 ± 0.17 and changes in eating habits were also observed. Weight change was significantly associated with physical activity, total food intake, sweetened products and confectionery intake, salty snacks, fast food and sweet drinks intake. Prevalence of obesity increased slightly but changes were not significant. The prevalence of obesity is worrying among university lecturers in Malaysia. Interventions should be implemented to improve the current situation. Significant weight gain and PAL decrease was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Weight gain was associated with the decrease in physical activity and the increased consumption of unhealthy foods.