Lifestyle under the light of nutrological and psychological aspects in the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the emergence of the new coronavirus (whose disease is COVID-19), in 2020 the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Preventive measures can radically change individuals' daily habits, including lifestyle-related behaviors. Sedentary behavior, anxiety, and boredom caused by home confinement can influence motivation to eat and change lifestyle patterns. Objective: To carry out a systematic review on the impacts of COVID-19 on people's diet and lifestyle, as well as to point out the main dietary and lifestyle precautions during and after the new coronavirus pandemic, based on the results of clinical studies. Methods: The rules of the Systematic Review-PRISMA Platform were followed. The search was carried out from December 2021 to April 2022 in Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: Were found 264 articles. A total of 116 articles were fully evaluated and 34 studies were developed in a systematic review. There is scientific evidence that foods/nutrients and natural substances from human physiology and biochemistry such as melatonin and coenzyme Q10 control immune system functions, and many metabolic or chronic diseases have been implicated in poor diet and lifestyle. The results of the pandemic indicate there have been a variety of lifestyle changes, physical inactivity, and psychological problems. Still, adults over 40 years old, with children, unemployed, and those living in a macroeconomic region were shown to be more exposed to unhealthy behaviors. Maintaining dietary intervention through telemedicine can reduce the negative impact of eating habits and physical activity patterns.