Exploring takeaway food consumption, lifestyle behaviours and wellbeing amongst the UK population during Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: In December 2019, a new disease (Covid-19) caused by Sars-Cov2 first emerged in the city of Wuhan, China and subsequently spread worldwide within a short period of time. The WHO declared the disease a public health emergency of international concern. The pandemic has had an impact on nutritional and lifestyle behaviours by implementing social distancing and lockdown measures to reduce the transmission. It has also had a detrimental effect on human health and wellbeing. This empirical study aimed to explore the relationship between takeaway food consumption and wellbeing during Covid-19 restrictions among the United Kingdom population aged 18 -65 years, Furthermore, this study compares wellbeing amongst keyworkers and non-keyworkers.

Methods: The study comprised an online survey that included demographic information; anthropometric data; nutritional habits information; and lifestyle behaviours. The survey was conducted between the third UK lockdown (March-June 2021).

Results: 92 participants took part, aged between 18-65 years (71.3% female; 28.7% male). This research confirmed an association between takeaway food consumptions with wellbeing and BMI status.  Adverse wellbeing was more prominent among keyworkers. Takeaway food consumption decreased during Covid-19 pandemic. However, fast food (38%) remained the most frequently consumed takeaway food amongst the population during the pandemic.

Conclusions: This is the first study to explore the behaviours and dietary choices amongst keyworkers in the UK, with particular focus on takeaway consumption and wellbeing during Covid-19 restrictions. However, further investigations are required among a larger sample.