Consumo alimentario durante el confinamiento por Covid-19, en una población de Ecuador y México.

Abstract

Introduction: The limited availability of food, and shortages due to interruption in supply chains during the Covid-19 pandemic, can cause changes in people's diet and nutrition, which should be in our interest to avoid future complications.

Objective: To describe the habits of food consumption in a population of Ecuador and Mexico due to confinement

Method: 1135 online surveys were collected, which were answered with prior informed consent. The instrument was based on a multiple-choice questionnaire, previously validated. The frequency of food consumption, the body mass index (BMI), and sociodemographic data were quantified.

Results: 66% changed their eating habits during confinement. About 60% reduced the consumption of cereals, fruits and vegetables. Dairy products were reduced to less than 2 servings a day in 74.4% of the population. The intake of lean meats, chicken, and fish also decreased. The lower consumption of vegetables, greens, fruits, legumes, whole grains (p = .001), nuts (p = .022), water (p = .000), as well as the consumption of sweets, colas and processed juices, was related to being overweight.

Conclusion: Changes in food consumption implied food restriction in the daily diet, and a consumption of poorly nutritious foods