Changes in Lifestyle Behaviors, Shopping Habits and Body Weight Among Adults in Cyprus and Greece During COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Study.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people were asked to stay at home. Places where people interacted such as schools, universities, and cafes were closed, and all gatherings were forbidden. Only stores offering fast-moving consumer goods were open, so citizens could purchase all food categories. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on the eating and buying habits of consumers in Cyprus and Greece, and any changes in their lifestyles. An online survey including 1011 participants took place using an electronic questionnaire. The results showed that lockdown significantly affected individuals by increasing weight gain ( < 0.01). The explanatory investigation of related lifestyle habits and nutrition traits showed that the dietary patterns behind these changes included increased meal frequency ( < 0.05)-even without an increased appetite-and subsequent increases in both purchases ( < 0.05) and consumption of several food groups ( < 0.05). Moreover, even though exercise per se was not discontinued due to COVID-19, it was apparent that exercise type was altered to adapt to the relevant restrictions ( < 0.05). In conclusion, the COVID-19 lockdown significantly affected Cypriots and Greeks in many aspects like their eating behavior, food purchasing habits, and lifestyle, all resulting in increased weight and potentially adverse health outcomes.