2. Confinement: adaptation of behaviors

The first lockdown in France imposed drastic limits on outings outside the home. A study was then conducted to measure physical activity and dietary behaviors in a group of students on two occasions: during and after the lockdown. Physical activity behavior was assessed using accelerometry data, and dietary quality was evaluated using a balanced diet score based on the number of servings chosen from 12 food categories. This data was recorded in the WellBeNet mobile app and then sent to the ActivCollector server.

Analysis by the Human Nutrition Unit (UNH) showed that certain behaviors changed between the two periods. This was the case for moderate-intensity physical activity, which increased by 48.3% after the lockdown ended. Regarding diet, the number of food servings varied differently for women and men: women consumed one serving less per day on average, while men maintained the same number of servings after the lockdown ended. The dietary balance score was slightly lower after the lockdown was lifted (-5.0%), with no difference between the sexes.

The moderate decline in physical activity observed during the lockdown did not persist when outdoor activities were permitted again. Overall, eating habits remained stable as the food supply remained the same during both periods.

DOI : 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101863

Contact : Sylvie ROUSSET