Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle habits and body weight of military flying personnel of the Polish Armed Forces.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess whether and to what extent the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic affected the lifestyle and body weight of military flying personnel.

Material and methods: The study involved 930 Polish soldiers - members of aircrew. The study was conducted by using a survey designed by the author, as part of the implementation of the National Health Programme 2021-2025. The survey used the research technique computer assisted web interview.

Results: Approximately half of the soldiers surveyed (49%) declared that they did not contract COVID-19. Analysis of the results on the frequency of consumption of selected food items showed that most food items respondents consumed at similar levels during the pandemic, compared to the pre-pandemic period. There was a positive increase in the frequency of consumption of nuts, fresh fruit and vegetables in 14.8%, 15.9% and 19% of respondents, respectively. More than 20% of those surveyed declared that they consumed less restaurant meals, fast food, sweets and sugary drinks. The vast majority of the respondents (77.6%) answered that they did not feel more negative emotions compared to the pre-pandemic period COVID-19 and emotions did not affect their diet. The frequency of physical activity remained the same for 71.9% of soldiers, while 14.9% respondents said they played sport less often than before the pandemic. Overweight was diagnosed in 50.2% of respondents, while 12.8% were obese. More than half of the respondents (56%) declared that their weight had not changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, 25.1% declared that their weight had increased and 8.9% that it had decreased.

Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic condition did not disrupt the existing lifestyles of most military flying personnel. More than half of the military flying personnel surveyed reported no effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on weight change. A quarter of soldiers reported weight gain, which was associated with negative changes in diet and physical activity. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(2):101-121.