Influence of nutritional status on eating habits and food choice determinants among Brazilian women during the COVID-19 pandemic

We aimed to evaluate the influence of nutritional status on eating habits and food choice determinants among Brazilian women during the COVID-19 outbreak. This cross-sectional survey was conducted between June and September, 2020, period in which social distancing measures were in place. Participants (n=1,183) were classified as normal weight (60.4%), overweight (26.2%) and obese (13.4%). Eating habits changed during quarantine irrespective of nutritional status. The number of women participating in grocery shopping was reduced by 34% during quarantine (p<0.001, OR=0.55, 0.79), whereas participation in cooking and ordering delivery service increased by 28% (p=0.004, OR=1.08, 1.51) and 146% (p<0.001, OR=2.06, 2.95), respectively. The number of participants reporting the habit of snacking (p=0.005, OR=1.07, 1.43) and eating at the table increased by 24% and 40% (p<0.001, OR=1.20, 1.64). Interestingly, the number of participants reporting the habit of dieting decreased by 41% (p<0.001, OR=0.59 [0.50, 0.70]). During the quarantine, “liking”, “need and hunger”, and “habits” were the most commonly reported determinants of food choice overall. “Health”, “natural concerns” and “need and hunger” were less important determinants for participants with overweight/obesity compared to those with normal weight. Regression models showed that(i)“health”, “natural concerns” and “affect regulation”;(ii)“health”, “pleasure”, “convenience”, and “natural concerns”; and(iii)“visual appeal” and “pleasure” were the food choice determinants more associated with eating habits among women with normal weight, overweight and obesity, respectively. In conclusion, eating habits were influenced during the pandemic despite nutritional status, whereas food choice determinants differed between overweight/obesity and normal weight women.