Poster Presentation Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society Annual Scientific Conference 2023

Comparison of the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 on food purchasing and consumption, lifestyle behaviours and psychological distress: A survey of patients attending a tertiary weight loss clinic. (#229)

Elise Khederlian 1 , Janet Franklin 2 , Kyra Sim 2 , Jessica Swinbourne 2 , Elisia Manson 2 , Hannah Nelthorpe 2 , Tania Markovic 2 , Samantha Hocking 2
  1. Masters of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. Metabolism and Obesity Services, RPAH, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Background: The COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 was more severe, involved food insecurity, greater economic impact, public compliance and uncertainty regarding its transmission and treatment. By 2021, knowledge had increased, vaccines were becoming available, many had received financial support, and businesses had adapted. Our previous study demonstrated changes in mental health, purchasing, and consumption habits during the 2020 lockdown in patients seeking obesity treatment.

Aim: To compare purchasing habits, consumption habits, and mental health between NSW’s 2020 and 2021 lockdowns in people seeking obesity treatment.

Methods: Two cross-sectional studies were conducted, the first between June-August 2020 and the second between September-October 2021. Participants completed online surveys, including the DASS-21 and a specific purchasing and consumption habits questionnaire.

Results: Surveys were emailed to 481 participants in 2020 and 453 participants in 2021. Completion rates were 43.0% (2020) and 57.4% (2021). The participants in 2021 were more likely to be female (64% [2020] vs 75% [2021]; p=0.012) and older (47.1 vs 53.8 years; p<0.001). Reported SARS-CoV-2 infections were similar between the two years (1.4% [2020] vs 1.2% [2021]; p=0.173). 62.9% of the 2021 group found the second lockdown harder. More 2021 participants reported a change in purchasing behaviour for ready-made meals (p=0.0019) and takeaway coffee (p = 0.009). 2021 participants reported less change in their consumption of takeaway foods (p =0.049), juice/softdrink (0.020), and takeaway coffee (0.033). 

The mean depression score was higher in 2021 (7.3) vs 2020 (6.1; p=0.041); there were no differences in mean anxiety or stress scores. There was also no difference in the distribution of normal to severe depression (p=0.064), anxiety (p=0.380), or stress (0.089) between the two-time points.

Conclusion: Despite differences between the lockdowns, mental health, purchasing and consumption patterns were similar. However, more 2021 participants changed their consumption of convenience foods and reported higher depression scores.